State of Origin is all about rivalry but with game day falling at the start of National Reconciliation Week it is also a great example of people coming together as a team with a common goal.
Held from May 27 until June 3, National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2026 is All In, a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day.
For Game One this year, the Maroons have five Aboriginal (Selwyn Cobbo) and Torres Strait Islander (Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Reuben Cotter, Ezra Mam, Gehamat Shibasaki) players in their side, while the Blues have Indigenous players Kotoni Staggs and Dylan Lucas in their squad.
For Maroons centre Tabuai-Fidow, being selected in the team is not only a chance to represent Queensland, but also his family and be a role model for other Indigenous young people aspiring to achieve their goals.
“It's obviously something that's pretty big for me, just being that role model and showing young Indigenous kids, what they can do if they put their mind to it,” Tabuai-Fidow said.
“It's pretty special to have that cultural background and to try and shape a better way and a better life for the young Indigenous kids.”
A popular player who is a star at the Dolphins, Tabuai-Fidow has become know for his post-try celebration where he showcases his totem – the shark (baidham).
Early on in his career, some thought it was a reference to his NRL team, but the Saibai Island man has been quick correct the misunderstanding.
“I think at the start it was a bit funny and then I sort of had to try to correct them because it is my totem,” Tabuai-Fidow said.
“It's something that I'm proud of and to show it at this stage and this level of rugby league, it's something pretty important.”
Joining him in the Queensland backline will be his Dolphins team-mate Cobbo, who has been recalled to the Origin arena this year after some good early-season form in the NRL.
Hailing from Cherbourg, Cobbo said he understood the responsibility of representing more than just himself.
“That's every kid's dream to put on this jersey and it means a lot to me and everyone back home in Cherbourg,” Cobbo said. “All my family's there.
“It means a lot to me and (I am) doing it for everyone in the state as well.
“Kids all over Queensland watch these games and I wish that they can play in these games as well.
“That means a lot to me and just to give back to the community.
“I'm a role model to younger kids, Indigenous and non-Indigenous.
“It means a lot.
“Trying to give back to the kids; they all want to play in this jersey and I guess I just try to give back.”
