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State of Origin 2026 - Game 1 Highlights
The New South Wales Blues staged a sensational comeback to defeat Queensland 22-20 in the 2026 State of Origin Game 1 at Accor Stadium. Trailing 20-0 early, the Blues turned the game around after Queensland's Kalyn Ponga was sent off for a shoulder charge, giving NSW a crucial advantage. Nathan Cleary's standout performance, including setting up the late match-winning try with James Tedesco, earned him Player of the Match honors. The Blues now hold a 1-0 series lead as they head into Game 2.
- NSW Blues come back from 20-0 down to win 22-20 over Queensland
- Kalyn Ponga sent off for Queensland, sparking turning point
- Nathan Cleary leads comeback, earns Player of the Match; NSW leads series 1-0
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stae of origin 2026 Game 1
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Blues' players celebrate with team mate James Tedesco after he scored a try, as Maroons' players react, during game one of the men's State of Origin rugby league series between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons in Sydney on May 27, 2026. (Photo by SAEED KHAN / AFP via Getty Images) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE --
New South Wales have recorded a dramatic 22-20 win over Queensland in the 2026 State of Origin opener from Accor Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Blues produced one of the greatest comebacks in Origin history after trailing 20-0 early, with Nathan Cleary leading the charge to earn Player of the Match honours in Game 1.
Queensland looked set for victory before the contest turned on a controversial second-half moment, with Kalyn Ponga sent off for a shoulder charge on NSW debutant Tolu Koula while the Maroons were leading 20-6.
The Blues capitalised on the numerical advantage, with Ethan Strange sparking the comeback before Cleary and James Tedesco combined for the match-winning try in the final minute to hand NSW a 1-0 series lead.
All of the highlights from May 27 can be found below or played via the picture gallery at the top of the page.
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