Like the poor soul responding to a blow in a horror film, you can’t help but fear for New South Wales in Game 3 of State of Origin. After receiving the series opener, they suffered one of their worst humiliations in the second, as Queensland overcame a four-point deficit at the break to hammer the Blues 44-24 and force a deciding game on Maroons territory.
Not only have New South Wales won just three of the previous 10 State of Origin deciders hosted in Queensland, they have lost five of the six series they have played under head coach Laurie Daley. They took the lead in three of these five series.
He made six changes for Game 3 at Lang Park in Brisbane, with the news being 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 also returned to the starting line-up despite a shoulder injury. Code-hopping phenomenon Mark Nawaqanitawase scored twice on his State of Origin debut and will be hoping to finish on a high before his return to rugby union.
QLD head coach Billy Slater meanwhile kept things familiar, only with Jeremiah Nanai and Pat Carrigan returning to the fold after recovering from shoulder injuries 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 was branded a “cheater” by former NSW coach Phil Gould.
Here’s 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 is broadcast on the free-to-air Channel 9 and 9Now in Australia.
Are you traveling abroad at the moment? You can use a 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 appear to be in your home country, so you can unblock your usual service. The best VPN at the moment? We recommend NordVPN – it does it all and offers 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 either on FS2 Or Fox One.
Fox One, which also streams all 2026 World Cup matches live, costs $19.99/month after a FREE 3-day trialbut 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 broadcast on several other OTT streaming platforms, including YouTube TV And Fubowhich each offer a free trial to new customers.
Outside the United States? Use a VPN while you travel away from home to unblock your feed.
How to watch State of Origin Game 3 live streams in the UK
State of Origin Game 3 is streaming on Aerial sports in the United Kingdom, via the Sky Sports Action channel.
Sky Sports packages start from £35/month or £20 if you’re already a Sky subscriber. You can also purchase a Now Sports subscription from £14.99/day or £34.99/month.
Outside the UK at the moment? To use NordVPN to access your favorite NSW vs QLD coverage.
How to watch State of Origin Game 3 live streams in Canada
State of Origin 3 coverage continues Sports Network in Canada.
This means you can also watch online through its Sportsnet+ streaming service (starting at $29.99 per month / $249.99 per year). And the Watch the NRL the platform will show the light fixture.
If you already subscribe to these services but are located outside of Canada, download a VPN and watch NSW vs QLD like you’re back at home.
How to watch State of Origin Game 3 live streams in Australia
In Australia, State of Origin Game 3 is streaming for free on Channel 9 and via the Streaming service 9Now.
All you need is an account. Register here!
If you’re not in Australia but still want to connect, explore the VPN route shown above, which will help you access your accounts from anywhere.
What is the start time for State of Origin Game 3?
State of Origin Game 3 begins at 8:05 p.m. AEST / 11:05 a.m. BST / 6:05 a.m. ET / 3:05 a.m. PT on Wednesday, July 8.
Who are the teams in State of Origin Game 3?
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. Briton Nikora, 12. Kurt Capewell, 13. Reuben 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 13. Isaah Yeo
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 face-to-face?
Queensland have won 25 series over State of Origin and New South Wales 17. Two series have ended in a draw.
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