How to watch State of Origin Game 3: NRL 2026 FREE streams, TV channels for NSW vs QLD decider

• Watch State of Origin Game 3 FREE on 9Now (AUS)
• Stream on Fox One (US) / Sky Sports (UK)
• Unlock your stream with NordVPN (save up to 75%)
• New South Wales vs Queensland kick-off: Wed, Jul 8, 6.05am ET / 11.05am BST / 8.05pm AEST

Like the poor soul who answers the knock in a horror movie, you can help but fear for New South Wales in State of Origin Game 3. After being gifted the opening leg of the series, they suffered one of their worst ever humiliations in the second, as Queensland overturned a four-point deficit at the interval to hammer the Blues 44-24 and force a decider in Maroons territory.

Not only have New South Wales only won three of the 10 previous State of Origin deciders staged in Queensland, but they've lost five of the six series they've played under head coach Laurie Daley. They took the lead in three of those five series.

He's made six changes for Game 3 at Lang Park in Brisbane, the headline news being Jack Bostock's debut at the expense of NSW great Brian To’o, who was named the team's best player in 2023 and 2025. Stephen Crichton has also returned to the starting lineup despite being hampered by a shoulder injury. Code-hopping phenomenon Mark Nawaqanitawase scored twice on his State of Origin debut, and will hope to sign off in style before his return to rugby union.

QLD head coach Billy Slater, meanwhile, has kept things familiar, only with Jeremiah Nanai and Pat Carrigan returning to the fold after recovering from a shoulder injury 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 has been branded a "cheat" 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 being shown on free-to-air Channel 9 and 9Now in Australia.

Traveling abroad right now? You can use a VPN to watch NSW vs QLD for free as if you were right at home.

Use a VPN to watch State of Origin Game 3 live streams

A VPN is handy piece of software that can make your device appear as if it's back in your home country, so you can unlock your usual service. The best VPN right now? We recommend NordVPN – it does everything and comes with up to 75% off.

How to watch State of Origin Game 3 live streams in the USA

NRL fans in the US can watch State of Origin Game 3 on either FS2 or Fox One.

Fox One, which is also live streaming every game of the 2026 World Cup, costs $19.99/month after a 3-day FREE trial, though 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 carried by several other OTT streaming platforms too, including YouTube TV and Fubo, which each offer new customers a free trial.

Outside of the US? Use a VPN whilst you're traveling away from home to unlock your stream.

How to watch State of Origin Game 3 live streams in the UK

State of Origin Game 3 is being shown on Sky Sports in the UK, via the Sky Sports Action channel.

Sky Sports plans start from £35/month or £20 if you're an existing Sky subscriber. Alternatively, grab a Now Sports subscription from £14.99/day or £34.99/month.

Outside the UK right now? Use NordVPN to access your preferred coverage of NSW vs QLD.

How to watch State of Origin Game 3 live streams in Canada

State of Origin 3 coverage is going out on Sportsnet in Canada.

That means you can also watch online thanks to its Sportsnet+ streaming service (from $29.99 a month / $249.99 a year). And the Watch NRL platform will show the fixture.

If you already subscribe to these services but find yourself outside Canada, download a VPN and watch NSW vs QLD as if you were back at home.

How to watch State of Origin Game 3 live streams in Australia

In Australia, State of Origin Game 3 is free-to-air on Channel 9 and via the 9Now streaming service.

All you need is an account. Sign up here!

If you're out of Australia but still want to tune in, explore the VPN route set out above, which will help you access your accounts from anywhere.

What is the State of Origin Game 3 start time?

State of Origin Game 3 kicks off at 8.05pm AEST / 11.05am BST / 6.05am ET / 3.05am PT on Wednesday, July 8.

What are the State of Origin Game 3 teams?

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 head-to-head?

Queensland have won 25 State of Origin series, and New South Wales 17. Two series have ended all-square.