One New Zealand Warriors co-captain Mitchell Barnett and seasoned second rower Kurt Capewell will resume their State of Origin rivalry in the opening match of the 2026 season at Accor Stadium in Sydney on May 27.
Barnett has been recalled to start in the front row for New South Wales while Capewell retains his spot after playing a vital hand in Queensland’s come-from-behind series victory last year.
The clubmates didn’t line up against each other last year with Barnett appearing in the Blues’ win in Origin I but then missing the rest of the series following his season-ending ACL injury.
After being overlooked for Origin I, Capewell came into the side for the last two matches helping Queensland to 26-24 and 24-12 wins to claim the title.
The last and only previous time Barnett and Capewell have clashed at Origin level was in game three of the 2024 series when Barnett made his New South Wales debut in the series-clinching 14-4 victory at Suncorp Stadium.
Barnett will play his third Origin match on May 27, Capewell his 14th.
Despite his outstanding form in the Warriors’ brilliant start to the NRL season, prop Jackson Ford has surprisingly been overlooked while hooker Wayde Egan – mentioned in some circles as a contender – hasn’t been selected either.
The squads are notable for the inclusion of four players following the changes made to Origin’s eligibility rules.
Previously ineligible after representing the Kiwis, former Warrior Addin Fonua-Blake has been named as prop for the Blues while current Kiwi international Casey McLean is on the six-man bench along with England Test forward Victor Radley.
Included on the Maroons’ bench is Kiwi second rower Briton Nikora.
