Queenslander! The Sunshine Coast will be the hub of State of Origin training activity this year following confirmation the region will host the Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons for a series of training camps.
The women's Maroons will welcome a fresh start under new head coach Nathan Cross, who will base his team at Mooloolaba for two of the three Origin camps.
With the support of Sunshine Coast Council, the Maroons will hold sessions at the Kawana Sports Precinct in the lead up to the women's series opener in Newcastle and Game II in Brisbane.
Queensland's men's team will return to Twin Waters in 2026 and will also have access to Sunshine Coast Stadium for key training sessions led by Billy Slater.
Fans will be able to attend open training sessions and official regional fan days for both Origin teams with details to be released in the future.
'Incredible buzz' awaits Coast footy fans
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Rosanna Natoli said it was a tremendous coup for the region to have both Queensland teams based on the Coast.
"Our community is passionate about rugby league, and welcoming these elite squads brings an incredible buzz that will be felt right across our community," Mayor Natoli said.
"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.
"With world‑class facilities like the Kawana Sports Precinct and Sunshine Coast Stadium, combined with our outstanding natural environment, the Maroons have everything they need to prepare for a successful 2026 series.
"We can't wait to welcome the players, coaches and support staff, and I know our community will embrace them with true Sunshine Coast spirit."
How our region will lift the Maroons
Head coach Cross is excited about the opportunity to prepare his team on the Sunshine Coast.
"It certainly is a great part of Queensland," he said.
"Rugby league is thriving in the region and I'm sure our players and team staff will get a lift from the goodwill throughout the community.
"From a footy perspective, the Kawana Sports Precinct has everything we need for our squad to prepare well with multiple fields and a high performance training facility.
"We're looking forward to arriving in April and getting stuck into our work ahead of the first game."
