2026 Draw Debrief: Origin returns to Blues' happy hunting ground

New South Wales aims to maintain its strong record at the MCG when the State of Origin returns to Melbourne for Game II of the 2026 Series.

The MCG has proven to be a successful venue for the Blues, who boast a 5-1 record against Queensland in Origins held there, including a notable 38-18 victory in 2024.

Under the leadership of Michael Maguire, NSW made history by clinching the series decider at Suncorp Stadium, bouncing back after an initial loss at Accor Stadium.

The 2026 State of Origin series kicks off at Accor Stadium on May 27, followed by Origin II at the MCG on June 17 and concluding with Origin III at Suncorp Stadium on July 8.

Queensland regained the State of Origin Shield in 2025, mirroring NSW's earlier achievement of bouncing back from a series opening defeat at Suncorp Stadium to win in Perth and Sydney.

Queensland coach Billy Slater, who had a successful playing career with the Storm and still resides in Melbourne, will carry the memory of Origin II at the MCG in 2024, where Latrell Mitchell and Zac Lomax led the Blues to a remarkable turnaround in the series.

This loss marked the only Origin series defeat for Slater since he took over as coach in 2022.