State of Origin is making a comeback in 2026, with Optus Stadium hosting a February 14 clash between Western Australia and Victoria. The match will be held on Valentine's Day, and the AFL will be hoping there is no love lost between the old rivals.
Both teams are set to field star-studded teams across the field with names like Nick Daicos, Marcus Bontempelli, Patrick Cripps, Shai Bolton, Bailey Smith and many more predicted to take part.
Victoria
FB: Lachie Ash, Jacob Weitering, Lachie WhitfieldHB: Harry Sheezel, Sam Collins, Max HolmesC: Hugh McCluggage, Caleb Serong, Ed RichardsHF: Jamie Elliott, Jeremy Cameron, Marcus BontempelliFF: Toby Greene, Sam Darcy, Charlie Curnow,FO: Max Gawn, Nick Daicos, Zak ButtersI/C: Bailey Smith, Matthew Rowell, Noah Anderson, Dylan Moore
The Victorian side is full of stars across the field, including 17 previous All-Australian players.
Leading the way through the midfield will be superstar Nick Daicos, while Zak Butters and Caleb Serong follow him up. Max Gawn will be standing tall in the ruck, while Ed Richards and Hugh McCluggage add run around the stoppages.
Jacob Weitering and Sam Collins will be holding down the fort as the two key position players down back, while Lachie Ash, Lachie Whitfield, Max Holmes and Harry Sheezel all create some run and dash.
Two-time Coleman Medallist Jeremy Cameron headlines the forward 50 alongside seven-time All-Australian Marcus Bontempelli.
Charlie Curnow and the emerging star Sam Darcy are other imposing talls who figure prominently in attack, while Toby Greene and Jamie Elliott are two of the most dangerous small forwards in the game.
The bench is chock-full of talent, highlighting the strength of the Victorian side. Cats star Bailey Smith and live-wire Hawk Dylan Moore join the pair of Gold Coast midfielders Matthew Rowell and Noah Anderson on the interchange.
Western Australia
FB: Jordan Clark, Sam Taylor, Brandon StarcevichHB: Wil Powell, Tom Barrass, Trent RiversC: Nic Martin*, Shai Bolton, Liam BakerHF: Sam Powell-Pepper*, Aaron Naughton, Darcy Jones*FF: Cameron Zurhaar, Jesse Hogan, Jake WatermanFO: Darcy Cameron, Patrick Cripps, Chad WarnerI/C: Luke Jackson, Judd McVee, Nathan Broad, Mitch Georgiades, Brady Hough
The Western Australian team isn't as star-studded as the Victorian team, but it still boasts plenty of big names.
Headlining the midfield is two-time Brownlow medallist Patrick Cripps, while Shai Bolton and Chad Warner provide some razzle-dazzle through the middle. Darcy Cameron is listed as the ruck, while Nic Martin and Liam Baker are listed on the wing.
The backline consists of all-Australians Jordan Clark and Sam Taylor, while premiership players Tom Barrass, Trent Rivers and Brandon Starcevich bolster the defence. Wil Powell is another lockdown defender alongside them.
Coleman Medalist Jesse Hogan lead the forwards in the goal square, while Aaron Naughton lines up at centre half-forward. A pair of 'bulls', Cameron Zurhaar and Sam Powell-Pepper, provide some brute force. All-Australian Jake Waterman is listed in the pocket, while Darcy Jones provides some speed and forward pressure to the side.
The interchange is filled with versatility, with the hybrid Luke Jackson to headline the bench. Mitch Georgiades is there forward depth, while Judd McVee, Nathan Broad and Brady Hough are established defenders.
Nic Martin, Darcy Jones, and Sam Powell-Pepper all suffered ACL injuries in 2025, which will necessitate the addition of injury replacements to the squad.
* Injured players.
