Beyond 2026 - The Future of State of Origin - The Mongrel Punt
Are the AFL serious about bringing State of Origin back beyond 2026? HB has a look at what the league needs to do for the concept to thrive.
themongrelpunt.comHere’s the latest on State of Origin as of 2026.
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AFL State of Origin is back in 2026, with Western Australia vs Victoria confirmed for February 14, 2026 in Perth at Optus Stadium. This marks the return of the iconic rivalry after a long hiatus, and the event is expected to boost tourism and regional engagement in WA. [Source: Sporting News article on 2026 return; Perth host details][3]
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Perth hosting and the broader plan involve collaboration with WA government and Tourism WA, aiming to deliver a major off-season football highlight and reconcile the calendar with the Indigenous All Stars concept that performed strongly in recent times. [Source: Ministry of Sport reporting on 2026 return and WA partnership][2]
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The official schedule for 2026 also includes Women’s State of Origin fixtures as part of the broader program, expanding the event beyond a single men’s match and increasing visibility for players across genders. [Source: NRL’s 2026 Ampol State of Origin announcement; Women’s Origin integrated into the same year][5]
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Additional context: there has been debate within the AFL about how often and in what format State of Origin should occur, balancing player welfare, club commitments, and fan demand; the 2026 edition is positioned as a flagship return with strong anticipated crowds. [Source: Sporting News coverage of AFL leadership comments][1]
Illustration of what to expect:
- Date: February 14, 2026
- Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
- Matchup: WA vs Victoria
- Follow-up: Women’s State of Origin likely to be staged around the same period or in a related window, contributing to a multi-game weekend
If you’d like, I can pull exact fixtures, kickoff times, and ticket options for fans in Buffalo, NY, and summarize travel considerations for attending in Perth.[5]