Queenslanders have been invited to watch the Maroons train on the Sunshine Coast ahead of State of Origin game one.
Eager footy fans can watch the state’s best players, for free, at an open training session at Sunshine Coast Stadium at Bokarina on Sunday.
The session, to be held from 10am to midday, will give supporters the chance to experience the energy of Origin camp as Billy Slater and his squad ramp up their preparations for their clash with New South Wales in Sydney on Wednesday.
The Sunshine Coast is the high‑performance training hub for Queensland’s men’s and women’s squads for this year. The men’s team is staying at Twin Waters Novotel Resort and training at the stadium at Bokarina.
Slater, now in his fifth year as head coach after a decorated playing career with the Maroons, said the training session would allow Queenslanders to connect with the team and experience the start of their journey.
“Our connection with Queensland communities is a core part of who we are as a team, and this Sunday presents an exciting opportunity for Queenslanders to come out and support their footy team,” he said.
The squad boasts stars like Cameron Munster, Kalyn Ponga, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Harry Grant and Patrick Carrigan, plus Sunshine Coast product Trent Leoiro.
Loeiro, who was born in Nambour and played for Kawana Dolphins and Sunshine Coast Falcons, made his State of Origin debut in last year’s series and featured in all three games.
Queensland won last year’s series two games to one.
The squad includes 14 players who were involved in last year’s series, as well as four players who have earned their debut Maroons jerseys including Jojo Fifita, Sam Walker, Max Plath and Briton Nikora.
Sunshine Coast mayor Rosanna Natoli said, in February, that it was “a coup” for the region to host the Maroons.
“Hosting the Maroons not only excites our local fans, but also supports our businesses and strengthens our reputation as a premier high‑performance train-play-stay destination,” she said.
“With world‑class facilities like the … Sunshine Coast Stadium, combined with our outstanding natural environment, the Maroons have everything they need to prepare for a successful 2026 series.”
Gates for the open training session open at 9am.
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
