By Elissa Steedman, ABC
Xavier Coates of the Maroons runs with the ball during Game 1 of the State of Origin 2024 between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues in Sydney. Photo: AAP / www.photosport.nz
Rugby league's fiercest rivalry will return to the field this week with the men's State of Origin series kicking off in Brisbane on Wednesday.
This year, the Blues are hoping the return of coach Laurie Daley will lead them to a second-straight win after their 2024 coach Michael Maguire was poached by the Brisbane Broncos.
In the Maroon corner, coach Billy Slater is hoping to add another win to his record.
When is State of Origin I?
Game I will be held on Wednesday, May 28.
What time is kick-off?
Here's the exact time the game will start in each time zone:
10.05pm NZT
8.05pm AEST
7.35pm ACST
6.05pm AWST
Maroons head coach Billy Slater is backing in a fresh group of Queenslanders following their strong form in the NRL. Photo: AAP / www.photosport.nz
Where is Game I?
Game I will be played at Lang Park in Brisbane.
The Maroons have won 39 of the 61 games played at the venue, while the Blues have won 21.
One game ended in a draw.
Who is playing?
The official squads for Game I were announced early last week.
Queensland will be without several star players, including Ben Hunt, Reece Walsh and Selwyn Cobbo, due to injury.
The growing injury list for the Maroons opened the door for to offer opportunities for debutants Robert Toia, Beau Fermor and Trent Loiero.
The Blues weren't without their own injury troubles - Payne Haas was named in the starting side, but his position was tenuous due to a quad complaint.
Perhaps the headline story for New South Wales, however, is that coach Daley has opted to tackle a different kind of challenge this year, naming both Nathan Cleary and Mitchell Moses in the squad.
While both are proven lead Origin playmakers, pundits have questioned whether the two dominant halves will find a way to fit together.
Penrith Panthers' Liam Martin has been named in the NSW Game I squad. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
When and where are the other matches?
Game II: Wednesday, June 18 at Perth Stadium
Game III: Wednesday, July 9 at Stadium Australia in Sydney
When is the Women's State of Origin?
While there's one game still to play, the New South Wales side has already claimed the series.
Here are the results from the first two games:
Game I: Qld 12, NSW 32
Game II: Qld 6, NSW 26
The third match will be played in Newcastle on Thursday, May 29 at 7:45pm AEST.
- ABC
