Which side will lift the famous shield in Brisbane today?
Watch State of Origin III, as the New South Wales Blues travel to Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium to take on the Queensland Maroons in their own back yard.
There’s all to play for in the third and final game of the annual rugby league series, with honours even after the first two matches. The equation is simple: win in Brisbane today and State of Origin bragging rights are yours for another year.
– Date: Wednesday 8 July 2026
– Time: 8.05pm AEST (local); 11.05am BST (UK)
– Watch FOR FREE in Australia: 9Now (FREE)
– Watch in the UK: Sky Sports
– Watch from anywhere: Try NordVPN (75% off + 3 months free)
It’s been an up and down series so far. The Maroons looked like they’d raced to an unassailable lead at the first match in Sydney, before the Blues clawed back a 20-0 deficit to win the game 22-20 – the biggest comeback in the history of the competition.
There was another momentum shift three weeks later when the series moved to the neutral territory of the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Queensland side were comprehensive 44-24 winners that day, leaving this State of Origin decider perfectly poised ahead of kick-off.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know to watch State of Origin match 3, with details of TV channels and live streams – including a free viewing option in Australia. We’ll also explain how you can use a VPN to watch from anywhere, even if you’re travelling abroad for this massive game.
Team line-ups are at the bottom of the page.
Watch the State of Origin decider for free
Rugby league fans down under can watch this crucial Maroons v Blues clash on both Channel Nine and its 9Now streaming service. The pre-match build-up starts at 7.00pm AEST, with the match getting underway at 8.05pm kick-off. You can also look forward to plenty of post-match analysis after the hooter has sounded.
Don’t worry if you’re going to be outside Australia for tonight’s big game. You can use a VPN to watch your usual free 9Now service as if you were back in Oz. Find out more below…
How to watch Maroons v Blues from anywhere
If you’re an Aussie travelling abroad right now you may be feeling you’ve chosen the wrong time to be away. Luckily, you don’t have to miss out on one of the biggest events in the NRL calendar.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) has the handy ability to change your IP address, allowing you to avoid geo-blocking restrictions that might otherwise prevent you from watching your usual State of Origin match 3 live stream from overseas.
The tech experts at TechRadar and Tom’s Guide both reckon NordVPN is the best VPN out there right now, thanks to its ability to unblock streaming services. It also offers some robust defence in the form of market-leading security features.
State of Origin III live streams in the UK
This hotly anticipated Maroons v Blues decider is on Sky Sports in the UK. Coverage starts at 10.00am BST on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action. Kick-off is at 11.05am.
Prices start at £20 per month to add Sky Sports to your existing Sky subscription. If you just want to watch this State of Origin finale, however, Sky’s streaming service, Now, offers day memberships for £14.99.
Maroons v Blues teams and officials
Queensland Maroons
1. Kaylyn Ponga
2. Selwyn Cobbo
3. Robert Toia
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
5. Jojo Fifita
6. Cameron Munster (captain)
7. Sam Walker
8. Thomas Flegler
9. Harry Grant
10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
11. Briton Nikora
12. Kurt Capewell
13. Reuben Cotter
Interchange:
14. Max Plath
15. Patrick Carrigan
16. Jeremiah Nanai
17. Trent Loiero
18. Reece Walsh
19. Murray Taulagi
Reserve:
20. Corey Horsburgh
New South Wales Blues
1. James Tedesco
2. Jack Bostock
3. Bradman Best
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Mark Nawaqanitawase
6. Mitchell Moses
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Payne Haas
9. Reece Robson
10. Mitchell Barnett
11. Hudson Young
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo (captain)
Interchange:
14. Cameron Murray
15. Addin Fonua-Blake
16. Haumole Olakau’atu
17. Blayke Brailey
18. Ethan Strange
19. Tolutau Koula
Reserve:
20. Victor Radley
Officials
Ashley Klein is the man in charge of the State of Origin decider. Matt Noyen and Phil Henderson are his touch judges, with Chris Butler the senior review official.
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: rugbyworld.com
