Watching State of Origin

State of Origin is rugby league's representative pinnacle — three matches between New South Wales and Queensland played at packed-out stadiums each May, June and July. Every match draws 3–4 million Australian viewers, often making it the most-watched sporting event of the year domestically. Here's how to catch every match wherever you are.

In Australia: free on Channel 9

Channel 9 has all three matches free-to-air. They use both the main Nine channel and 9Now streaming for live coverage. Kayo Sports and Fox League also carry every match with their own commentary and extended pre/post match coverage. If you only watch one rugby league match a year, Origin is the reason to subscribe to Kayo for a single month or simply use 9Now for free.

In New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ

Sky Sport NZ has all three matches live with comprehensive coverage including pre-match analysis. There's no free-to-air option in NZ — Sky has exclusive rights.

In the UK and Ireland: Watch NRL

Watch NRL carries every Origin match live. Note the timing — matches kick off at 8pm Sydney time, which is around 10am UK time during summer. That's a slightly awkward time for British viewers (mid-morning Wednesday or Thursday), but the on-demand replay is available immediately afterwards if you'd rather watch when work permits.

In the US and Canada: Watch NRL + Fox Sports 1

Watch NRL is the most reliable option. Fox Sports 1 typically simulcasts Game 1 of the series, which is also accessible via Fubo (7-day free trial), YouTube TV, and other streamers that carry FS1. Sydney's 8pm kick-off becomes 6am ET / 3am PT — very early but ideal for night-shift workers or early risers, with the on-demand replay always available.

In France: Watch NRL

Watch NRL only, English commentary. No French broadcaster currently shows State of Origin.

In the Pacific: free on national broadcasters

EMTV (PNG), Fiji TV, Tonga TV and TV1 Samoa all carry Origin matches free-to-air. Coverage is consistent across all three matches.

When does Origin kick off in your timezone?

All three matches typically kick off at 20:00 AEST (Sydney time) on a Wednesday or Thursday evening. That's:

• Sydney / Brisbane: 20:00 Wednesday/Thursday
• Perth: 18:00 Wednesday/Thursday
• Auckland: 22:00 Wednesday/Thursday
• Suva: 21:00 Wednesday/Thursday
• UK: 11:00 Wednesday/Thursday morning (during BST), 10:00 (outside BST)
• France: 12:00 Wednesday/Thursday midday (during CEST)
• New York: 06:00 Wednesday/Thursday morning
• Los Angeles: 03:00 Wednesday/Thursday morning

Game 1, Game 2, Game 3 schedule

The three matches are spaced roughly three weeks apart. Game 1 is in late May or early June, Game 2 in mid-June, Game 3 in early-to-mid July. Venues rotate between Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth on a multi-year cycle, with one match traditionally held outside the two main cities each series.

For full NRL season coverage in your country, see our NRL streaming guide.