The Nine Network and the ABC have detailed their coverage plans for the opening match of the 2026 State of Origin series, ahead of Wednesday night’s clash between New South Wales and Queensland.
Nine’s Origin coverage plans
Nine will broadcast Ampol State of Origin I exclusively, live and free across Channel 9HD and 9Now from 7pm AEST on Wednesday, May 27, with the network positioning the coverage as a tentpole event spanning linear television, streaming, podcasts and digital extensions.
Nine’s Wide World of Sports coverage will be hosted by James Bracey alongside a panel including Andrew Johns, Cameron Smith, Phil Gould, Darren Lockyer, Johnathan Thurston, Paul Gallen, Brad Fittler and Sam Thaiday.
Sideline reporting duties will be handled by Danika Mason, while Allana Ferguson and Emma Lawrence join the analysis panel. Commentary will come from Mathew Thompson, Johns and Smith.
The broadcaster is also expanding its second-screen offering through 9Now’s “Battle View” feature, which allows viewers to watch the live game alongside dedicated feeds that track James Tedesco and Sam Walker simultaneously.
Nine’s broader Origin strategy includes continuous Origin-themed programming across 9Now and 9Go!, feature interviews, live preview shows and the return of its Stories of Origin podcast franchise.
ABC’s Origin coverage plans
Meanwhile, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation confirmed it will deliver live radio coverage of every match in the 2026 men’s series across ABC Radio in NSW, Queensland and the ACT, with nationwide streaming available through ABC Listen Sport and online.
Coverage will be led by Andrew Moore alongside Luke Lewis, Matthew Elliott and John Gibbs, who will call games live from the venue throughout the series.
Pictured left to right: ABC NRL commentators Luke Lewis, Andrew Moore and John Gibbs
The public broadcaster will also extend its analysis coverage through weekly Offsiders episodes on ABC TV and ABC iview following each match.
The 2026 State of Origin series begins in Sydney on May 27 before moving to Melbourne on 17 June and Brisbane on 8 July.