This year’s men’s State of Origin series gets underway at the end of the month, meaning both Queensland and New South Wales teams for Game I are about to drop. 

The official sides for both states will be announced at the conclusion of Magic Round so hopefuls still have one last chance to impress Billy Slater and Laurie Daley respectively. 

Still, with 10 rounds of footy run and won, there’s a pretty clear indication of who is and isn’t in the representative picture this season. 

Form, injuries and eligibility changes look set to drastically shake up both sides, but just who will line up for each state come May 27? 

Check out the biggest selection headaches and battles for each state below as well as our predicted teams for both NSW and QLD. 

NSW Blues Selection News

Easily the biggest plotline when it comes to the NSW side is the fullback battle. Dylan Edwards is the incumbent and as always is playing well for the Panthers, who are sitting top of the table.

But how do you not pick James Tedesco? He is the reigning Dally M Medalist, is scoring tries for fun at the moment and is a former NSW captain. We do not envy Laurie Daley here. 

Elsewhere at the back, Tom Jenkins' try-scoring spree had selectors interested, but a few costly bombs spilled under the high ball won't have gone unnoticed by Billy Slater's spies. 

With Jacob Kiraz (knee) and Mark Nawaqanitawase (ankle) sidelined, the experienced Josh Addo-Carr who recently returned to the Kangaroos side presents a logical choice alongside auto-selection Brian To'o.

Up front, Payne Haas remains the first picked if his MCL holds up, with Tongan international Addin Fonua-Blake set to partner him under the new eligibility rules. 

Wests bad boy Terrell May has surged into contention off the back of the Tigers' strong start and could finally make his Origin debut off the bench.

Finally, there’s the dummy-half conundrum. Does Robson or Brailey get the nod? Koroisau’s three-game suspension should see him out of contention, so now two need to go into one, instead of three. 

We expect both Robson and Brailey to be in the team somewhere, it’s just a matter of who starts and who comes off the bench as a 14. 

QLD Maroons Selection News 

Untimely injuries have torn through Queensland’s stocks, meaning we are likely to see a bunch of new faces in Maroon for State of Origin Game I. 

The biggest blow for the defending champions is undoubtedly reigning Wally Lewis Medallist Tom Dearden being ruled out for at least the first two matches with an ankle injury.

There are a couple of Chooks ready to step in, Billy Slater just needs to decide if he looks to the past or the future. 

Former Queensland captain and Origin veteran Daly Cherry-Evan is the ready-made alternative for the man who usurped him. 

But his halves partner in club land, Sam Walker, represents the future of the Sunshine State. 

In the forwards we could see the return of David Fifita from Origin exile, as well as a debut for Kiwi international Briton Kiora thanks to the new eligibility rules. 

Finally, Queensland have their own fullback conundrum on their hands, with three superstars all ready and raring to go. 

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Reece Walsh and Kalyn Ponga should all end in the squad somewhere, but which one will start at the back?

Hammer has played centre plenty for QLD already and we expect him to be picked there. While Ponga’s versatility might actually cost him and see him picked on the bench, leaving Reece Lightning to line up at fullback. 

State of Origin Predicted Teams 2026 

NSW Predicted Team – State of Origin Game I 

1. James Tedesco ©

2. Josh Addo-Carr

3. Latrell Mitchell 

4. Stephen Crichton

5. Brian To'o 

6. Mitchell Moses

7. Nathan Cleary

8. Payne Haas

9. Reece Robson

10. Addin Fonua-Blake

11. Jacob Preston

12. Haumole Olakau'atu

13. Isaah Yeo 

14. Blayke Brailey

15. Cameron Murray

16. Terrell May

17. Dylan Edwards

18. Jackson Ford

19. Matt Burton

QLD Predicted Team - State of Origin Game I

1. Reece Walsh

2. Selwyn Cobbo

3. Robert Toia

4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

5. Dane Gagai

6. Cameron Munster © 

7. Daly Cherry-Evans

8. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui

9. Harry Grant

10. Lindsay Collins

11. Briton Nikora

12. David Fifita

13. Pat Carrigan

14. Kalyn Ponga

15. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 

16. Max Plath

17. Reuben Cotter

18. Jaxon Purdue

19. Corey Horsburgh