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

The Westpac NSW Blues will be aiming to continue their impressive record at the MCG when State of Origin returns to Melbourne for Game Two of the 2026 Series.

The MCG has been a happy hunting ground for the Blues, who hold a 5-1 record over Queensland in Origins played at the famous venue, including a 38-18 triumph in 2024.

Under Michael Maguire, NSW created history by winning the series decider at Suncorp Stadium after overcoming a loss in the opening match at Accor Stadium.

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

The Maroons regained the State of Origin Shield in 2025 after repeating NSW's feat of the previous season and bouncing back from defeat in the series opener at Suncorp Stadium to win in Perth and Sydney.

Queensland coach Billy Slater enjoyed a great playing career with the Storm and still lives in Melbourne but Origin II at the MCG in 2024 will still haunt him after Latrell Mitchell and Zac Lomax starred to turn the series on its head.

It was the only Origin series Slater has lost since taking over as coach in 2022.

NSW won the first Origin at the MCG in 1994, triumphing 14-0 before a then record crowd of 85,513, and the game returned during the Super League war a year later, with Queensland enjoying their only win at the hallowed venue.

The Maroons enjoyed their only success at the MCG in 1995, winning 20-12 in a brawling affair before the Blues snatched a15-14 victory in 1997 - the year before the Storm was founded.  

Origin moved to Docklands Stadium before returning to the MCG in 2015, when a crowd of 91,513 saw NSW prevail 26-18 under Laurie Daley, who returned for his second stint as NSW coach last year.

The Blues again won at the MCG in 2018, triumphing 22-12 before 87,122 fans, while a crowd of 90,084 attended the Origin II clash in 2024 to witness another dominant NSW victory.

For Daley, who played in the first Origin at the MCG in 1994, the venue holds only good memories and he will be seeking to continue his winning record in Game II as the Blues aim to regain the shield that has largely resided in Queensland since 2006.