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Origin I LIVE from 9pm tonight‘Pretty bloody even’: Maroons great salivates over razor-close Origin match-up
Sport Nation • May 27th, 2026 2:34 pm
Jarome Luai celebrates a try for NSW | Photo: AAP
Maroons great Brent Tate believes with the incredible talent across both teams, the 2026 State of Origin series has the potential to be one of the best years yet.
“It's the first time in a long time when I've looked at both teams, I feel like on paper it's pretty bloody even this year,” Tate told Sport Nation’s Scotty & Izzy on Wednesday.
Tate pointed to Queensland’s addition of Kalyn Ponga at fullback, who was selected over Premiership winner Reece Walsh, as a potential swing factor in the contest.
Queensland coach Billy Slater and Kalyn Ponga talk tactics in Maroons camp | Photo: Darren England/AAP
“I reckon he's in a rare vein of form at the moment. He's been outstanding. He's going to have a big bearing on the series if he can stay fit.”
The match-up will also see Warriors teammates Mitch Barnett and Kurt Capewell go head-to-head for their respective states in a situation Tate sympathises with.
“Those two boys will be trying to rip and tear each other to bits, which as a Wahs fan you're like ‘oh come on boys calm it down’," said Tate, who made 48 appearances for the Warriors from 2008-10.
"But mate, they'll be ripping in. It's state versus state. It is a massive rivalry.”
Kurt Capewell | Photo: Photosport
The veteran of 23 Origin outing said he has never seen such a build-up for the series, with massive media presence and thousands of fans attending team training sessions.
“The first game is usually always tight as well. It's not a free-flowing game and I think the big thing we're all trying to understand this year is how it's going to be refereed.
NZ State of Origin: North vs South | Running It Straight
"The speed of this game could be something like we've never seen before.
"Origin's quick as it is - it's another level up - and if Ashley (Klein) puts the whistle away, which I hope he does, we could be in for an absolute speedster of a game.”
Tune into Sport Nation for live commentary of State of Origin I - this Wednesday from 9pm, available on all NZ frequencies and the app.
Listen to the full interview below:
