NSW Blues 2026: State of Origin Form & Analysis
Recent record, venue history and what to watch for in the three-game series.
NSW Origin Record Since 2019
NSW have won three of the last seven series (2019, 2021, 2024). They averaged 22.1 points scored and 16.8 conceded across 21 Origin matches since 2019 — the strongest attacking side on paper, despite the series ledger reading 4-3 in QLD's favour.
Last 5 Origin Results
| Game | Venue | H/A | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Game 2 | MCG | Home | 38-18 | W |
| 2024 Game 3 | Suncorp | Away | 14-4 | W |
| 2025 Game 1 | Suncorp | Away | 18-6 | W |
| 2025 Game 2 | Optus Stadium | Away | 24-26 | L |
| 2025 Game 3 | Accor | Home | 12-24 | L |
NSW won 3 of the last 5 individual games but dropped the 2025 series 1-2 — losing Games 2 and 3 after a strong Game 1 in Brisbane.
Venue Record: NSW at Accor (Game 1 2026)
Despite Accor being labelled NSW's "home", the Blues have struggled there in recent series:
- 2020 Game 2: W 34-10 (during the Covid-rescheduled series)
- 2022 Game 1: L 10-16
- 2023 Game 3: W 24-10 (dead rubber)
- 2024 Game 1: L 10-38
- 2025 Game 3: L 12-24 (dead rubber after losing series)
Live-series record at Accor: 1W-2L (the 2020 win came mid-series; both 2022 and 2024 Game 1 losses set up series defeats).
Venue Record: NSW at MCG (Game 2 2026)
NSW's last Origin at the MCG was 2024 Game 2 — they won 38-18 by 20 points. The MCG's wide playing surface has historically favoured NSW's expansive attack over QLD's territorial style.
What to Watch for in 2026
1. The halves pairing
Every NSW series win since 2019 has featured a settled halves combination across all three games. Series losses have featured at least one half change between Games 1 and 3.
2. Starting prop rotation
NSW's edge in 2024 was the back-to-back impact of their bench middles in the 50-60 minute window. When NSW wins, their bench middles average 8 more run metres than QLD's. When NSW loses, the gap reverses.
3. Fullback in transition
NSW have used multiple fullbacks across the last 7 series. The fullback's read on broken-field defence has been the leading single-game performance differentiator in 6 of NSW's 10 wins since 2019.
Squad Announcement
The 2026 NSW Blues squad is expected to be announced on Sunday 24 May 2026 — three days before Game 1. We'll update this page with squad analysis once the team is named. Subscribe to our weekly tips for instant updates.
Where NSW's Origin Players Come From
NSW Origin selectors traditionally pull from clubs based in NSW — primarily the Roosters, Panthers, Sea Eagles, Eels, Bulldogs, Sharks, Dragons, Knights, Rabbitohs and Wests Tigers. View the current form of likely contributors:
- Sydney Roosters form guide
- Penrith Panthers form guide
- Manly Sea Eagles form guide
- Parramatta Eels form guide
- Canterbury Bulldogs form guide
- Cronulla Sharks form guide
See our Game 1 prediction
Full breakdown of NSW vs QLD Game 1 with venue history and our recommended bets.
Read the Game 1 preview →