For the first time in State of Origin history – save for a 1987 exhibition match in California – the showpiece event will be played outside an Australian capital city, with Townsville the series-opening host.
Coming off their 2020 series win, the Maroons are once again underdogs, but now with the opening two matches to be played in Queensland, they will fancy their chances of a stunning repeat.
Wayne Bennett won’t be in charge of the Maroons this time around, with former Cowboys premiership coach Paul Green taking the reins. With Kalyn Ponga ruled out for Queensland, Valentine Holmes will assume the role of fullback, allowing veteran Kyle Feldt to make his Origin debut on the wing, while Storm duo Cameron Munster and Harry Grant – who haven’t played since Round 9 – are expected starters.
The Blues will field three debutants – all from the Panthers – in Brian To’o, Jarome Luai and Liam Martin.
How to watch State of Origin 2021
Channel 9 has the exclusive rights to broadcast the 2021 State of Origin series both on TV and online.
Coverage for each game will begin around an hour before kickoff with fans able to tune in for free on Channel 9, 90 or GEM.
If you can’t get to a TV, you are able to stream the game for free by creating a 9Now account. This year 9Now will also feature a number of other exclusive channels such as Spider Cam and a player focus channel.
When is State of Origin 2021?
State of Origin will be played over three games between 9th June and 14th July. For a full schedule on when each of the three games will be played please refer to the information below for dates.
Game I: Wednesday 9 June
Game II: Sunday 27 June
Game III: Wednesday 14 July
What time does State of Origin start?
The times for each of the three State of Origin matches is listed below, however it’s quite common that the kickoff for each game is slightly delayed due to a number of reasons. TV coverage for each game will generally start an hour or more before the scheduled kickoff time.
Game I: 8:10pm AEST
Game II: 7:50pm AEST
Game III: 8:10pm AEST
State of Origin 2021 Odds
New South Wales are the favourites to take out the three game series with online bookmaker Sportsbet offering $1.55 about the Blues.
A lot will depend on game 1 though and if Queensland can win, they are more than likely to move into favouritism for the series.
Queensland are currently $2.45 to win the series, which is sure to entice punters given two of the three games are now being played in Queensland.
Where will State of Origin be played?
The three state of Origin game will all be played at different locations throughout Australia.
Game one was originally scheduled to be played at the MCG in Melbourne before COVID forced the gamer to be shifted to Townsville.
Game two will again be held in Queensland with Suncorp Stadium expected to sell out for the occasion.
The third and final game will head to Sydney in what could be the decider of the three game series.
Game I: Wednesday 9 June | Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville, Qld
Game II: Sunday 27 June | Suncorp Stadium, Qld
Game III: Wednesday 14 July | Stadium Australia, NSW
State of Origin Teams
QUEENSLAND (likely): 1. Valentine Holmes 2. Xavier Coates 3. Dane Gagai 4. Kurt Capewell 5. Kyle Feldt 6. Cameron Munster 7. Daly Cherry-Evans (c) 8. Christian Welch 9. Harry Grant 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. David Fifita 12. Felise Kaufusi 13. Jai Arrow. Bench: 14. AJ Brimson 15. Moeaki Fotuaika 16. Joe Ofahengaue 17. Jaydn Su’A. 18th man: Coen Hess, 19th man: Ben Hunt (replaces Reed Mahoney).
NEW SOUTH WALES: 1. James Tedesco 2. Brian To’o 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Tom Trbojevic 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Damien Cook 10. Jake Trbojevic 11. Cameron Murray 12. Tariq Sims 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Jack Wighton 15. Junior Paulo 16. Payne Haas 17. Liam Martin 18. Api Koroisau 19. Campbell Graham.
State of Origin 2021 Odds
New South Wales are the favourites to take out the three game series with online bookmaker Sportsbet offering $1.55 about the Blues.
A lot will depend on game 1 though and if Queensland can win, they are more than likely to move into favouritism for the series.
Queensland are currently $2.45 to win the series, which is sure to entice punters given two of the three games are now being played in Queensland.