The 2026 State of Origin series heads to Brisbane on Wednesday evening for Game 2 and a live decider, with the NSW Blues and Queensland Maroons desperate to lift the shield at Suncorp Stadium.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8:05pm (AEST) on Wednesday, July 8, with the Maroons having won Game 2 in Melbourne, and the Blues before that Game 1 in Sydney.
The Maroons have lost their last two in Brisbane, but a live decider and all the momentum means they come into the contest as favourites.
The NRL typically do not adhere to a strict schedule for kick-off, and the whistle may actually be blown to start the game some mintues later than the advertised time as has been the case in previous years and was again in Game 1.
What is the schedule for State of Origin Game 3?
Gates open at Suncorp Stadium first for memnbers at 5:30pm (AEST) - about 2 and a half hours before kick-off - and 30 minutes later for the rest of the ticketholding public at 6pm (AEST).
Pre-game entertainment is scheduled to start at 7:30pm (AEST), with the teams to enter the ground from 8pm (AEST), with kick-off at 8:05pm (AEST).
No information has been provided by either the NRL, QRL or Suncorp Stadium as to the status of a potential curtain-raiser match.
What time is State of Origin Game 2 expected to end?
Game 3 is expected to end at around 10pm (AEST), but that time is subject to change, pending on the number of stoppages in the game, the actual kick-off time, and whether any extra time is required to decide the winner.
In State of Origin, a draw won't be allowed with the game played until points are scored if need be following a potential draw at fulltime.
How long is halftime in State of Origin Game 3?
The halftime interval is scheduled to run for 15 minutes from the siren to kick-off in Game 3 of the 2026 State of Origin series.
It's anticipated that the halftime break will commence at around 8:55pm (AEST), but this is subject to change pending on the actual kick-off time and number of stoppages required during the first half.
What if I'm not in an AEST-state?
You're in luck, with our easy guide below.
South Australia, Northern Territory (ACST) - 7:35pm kick-off
Western Australia (AWST) - 6:05pm kick-off
New Zealand (NZST) - 10:05pm kick-off
