Like the poor soul answering the punch in a horror movie, you can’t help but fear for New South Wales in State of Origin Game 3. After sweeping the first leg of the series, they suffered one of their worst-ever humiliations in the second when Queensland overturned a four-point deficit at the interval to hammer the Blues 44-24 and force a territory into March.
Not only have New South Wales won just three of the 10 previous State of Origin trials in Queensland, but they have lost five of the six series they have played under head coach Laurie Daley. They took the lead in three of those five series.
He has made six changes for Game 3 at Lang Park in Brisbane, headlined by the debut of Jack Bostock at the expense of NSW great Brian To’o, who was named the team’s best player in 2023 and 2025. Stephen Crichton has also returned to the starting line-up despite being hampered by a shoulder injury. Code-hopping phenom Mark Nawaqanitawase scored twice on his State of Origin debut and will be hoping to sign off in style before returning to rugby union.
QLD head coach Billy Slater, meanwhile, has kept things under wraps with only Jeremiah Nanai and Pat Carrigan returning to the fold after recovering from a shoulder injury and ankle surgery respectively. Selwyn Cobbo, who scored a second-half hat-trick last time out, retains his place, as do Cameron Munster and Harry Grant – who has been branded a “cheat” by former NSW coach Phil Gould.
How to watch State of Origin Game 3 from anywhere in the world.
Can you watch State of Origin Game 3 for free?
Yes. State of Origin Game 3 will be shown on free-to-air Channel 9 and 9 Now in Australia.
Are you traveling abroad right now? You can use one VPN to watch NSW vs QLD for free as if you were at home.
Use a VPN to watch State of Origin Game 3 live streams
A VPN is a handy piece of software that can make your device look like it’s back in your home country so you can unlock your usual service. The best VPN right now? We recommend NordVPN – it does everything and comes with up to 75% off.
How to watch State of Origin Game 3 live streams in the US
NRL fans in the US can watch State of Origin Game 3 on either FS2 or Fox One.
Fox One, which also streams every game of the 2026 World Cup live, costs $19.99/month after a 3-day FREE trialalthough for a limited time you can get three months for the price of two.
FS2 is also available through Sling, specifically the Blue plan with the Sports Extra add-on, which starts at $56.99/month.
The channel is also carried by several other OTT streaming platforms including YouTube TV and Fuboeach of which offers new customers a free trial.
Outside the US? Use one VPN while traveling away from home to unlock your stream.
How to watch State of Origin Game 3 live streams in the UK
State of Origin Game 3 appears on Sky Sports in the UK via the Sky Sports Action channel.
Sky Sports plans start from £35/month or £20 if you’re an existing Sky subscriber. Alternatively, you can get a Now Sports subscription from £14.99/day or £34.99/month.
Outside the UK right now? Use NordVPN to access your favorite coverage of NSW vs QLD.
How to watch State of Origin Game 3 live streams in Canada
State of Origin 3 coverage goes out Sportsnet in Canada.
This means you can also watch online thanks to its Sportsnet+ streaming service (from $29.99 per month / $249.99 per year). And that one See NRL the platform shows the fixture.
If you already subscribe to these services but are located outside of Canada, download a VPN and watch NSW vs QLD as if you were back home.
How to watch State of Origin Game 3 live streams in Australia
In Australia, State of Origin Game 3 is free to air Channel 9 and via 9Now streaming service.
All you need is an account. Register here!
If you’re out of Australia but still want to tune in, explore The VPN route above which will help you access your accounts anywhere.
What is the start time for State of Origin Game 3?
State of Origin Game 3 starts at 8.05pm AEST / 11.05am BST / 6.05am ET / 3.05am PT on Wednesday 8 July.
What are the State of Origin Game 3 teams?
Queensland team: 1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Selwyn Cobbo, 3. Robert Toia, 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 5. Jojo Fifita, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Sam Walker, 8. Thomas Flegler, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11. Cotter
Bench: 14. Max Plath, 15. Pat Carrigan, 16. Jeremiah Nanai, 17. Trent Loiero, 18. Reece Walsh, 19. Murray Taulagi
Reserve: 20. Corey Horsburgh
New South Wales team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Jack Bostock 3. Bradman Best 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Payne Haas 9. Reece Robson 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Hudson Young 12. Liam Martin Yeo 13.
Bench: 14. Cameron Murray 15. Addin Fonua-Blake 16. Haumole Olakau’atu 17. Blayke Brailey 18. Ethan Strange 19. Tolutau Koula
Reserve: 20. Victor Radley
What is the state of origin head-to-head?
Queensland have won 25 State of Origin series and New South Wales 17. Two series have ended in all squares.
We test and review VPN services for legitimate recreational use. For example: 1. Accessing a Service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that Service). 2. Protecting your online security and enhancing your online privacy when you are abroad. We do not support or condone illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consumption of paid-for pirated content is neither endorsed nor endorsed by Future Publishing.
