Mitchell Barnett and Kurt Capewell are set to reignite their State of Origin rivalry in the first match of the 2026 season at Accor Stadium in Sydney on May 27.
Barnett has been chosen to start for New South Wales, while Capewell retains his place after his crucial role in Queensland's comeback series win last year.
The two players did not face each other last year, as Barnett participated in the Blues' victory in Origin I but was sidelined due to a season-ending ACL injury.
Capewell, initially overlooked for Origin I, stepped in for the final two matches and contributed to Queensland's victories of 26-24 and 24-12, securing the title.
They previously faced off only once during Origin, in the decisive game three of the 2024 series, where Barnett debuted for New South Wales.
On May 27, Barnett will play his third Origin match, while Capewell will appear for the 14th time.
Interestingly, despite a strong season start, prop Jackson Ford has been left out, along with hooker Wayde Egan, who was also considered a potential candidate.
The squads notably feature four players due to recent changes in Origin's eligibility rules.