The New South Wales Blues defeated the Queensland Maroons 22-20 [1] on Wednesday to win the first game of the 2026 State of Origin series [5].

The victory provides New South Wales with a critical early advantage in the series, shifting the momentum in their favor following a pivotal disciplinary decision.

The match took place at Accor Stadium in Sydney [6]. While the contest remained tight for much of the evening, the game changed significantly in the 57th minute when Queensland's Kalyn Ponga was sent off [2].

This dismissal created a major shift in momentum during the final 20 minutes of the match [3]. New South Wales capitalized on the numerical advantage, applying pressure to the Maroons' defense as the clock wound down.

James Tedesco scored the winning try in the final minutes to secure the result [2]. The win puts New South Wales ahead 1-0 in the series [4].

The controversy surrounding the send-off of Ponga is expected to dominate the conversation leading into the second game. The Blues managed to maintain their composure, while the Maroons struggled to adjust their strategy after losing a key playmaker.

“The New South Wales Blues defeated the Queensland Maroons 22-20”

A 1-0 lead in a State of Origin series is a significant psychological and tactical advantage. By winning the opener at home, New South Wales has forced Queensland into a position where they must win at least two of the remaining games to secure the shield, all while dealing with the potential suspension of a primary playmaker like Kalyn Ponga.