It all comes down to this — State of Origin Game III kicks off tonight, Wednesday, July 9, with both sides fighting to be crowned series champions.
The annual best-of-three rugby league series promises a night of pints, cheers and pub feeds, and we’ve made a list of the best places to watch the game. Game III takes places on the NSW’s home turf at Accor Stadium, meaning that Sydney will be buzzing with anticipation for the final game of the series.
Missed out on tickets? Don’t worry— plenty of bars and pubs will be serving up exclusive food and drink deals, as well as exciting giveaways, from game tickets to cash.
Solotel venues (including the Sheaf and the Albion Hotel) will be pouring discounted Tooheys jugs, dishing out free merch and creating an electric game-day atmosphere. Meanwhile, other top spots are setting up big screens to deliver a truly cinematic experience for State of Origin fans.
Here are our top pub picks for your ultimate Origin night.
1. The Village Inn, Paddington
Watching State of Origin at the Village Inn is a must for anyone who has a good sports wardrobe, as they’ll be giving away a $50 bar tab to the person who dons the best jersey. It’s also Burger and Beer Night ($25 for both), so pop down to this cosy Paddo pub and enjoy pints at schooner prices as you watch the big game.
Where: 9-11 Glenmore Rd, Paddington NSW 2021.
2. The Golden Sheaf, Double Bay
The Sheaf will be busy with Blues fans taking advantage of the venue’s large space. They’ll show all the action live and loud from the sports bar through to their beer garden, offering $18 jugs of Toohey’s and free merch on the side. You can book a table here to secure your spot, or you can rock up on the day and try your luck.
Where: 429 New South Head Rd, Double Bay NSW 2026.
3. The Albion Hotel, Parramatta
Albies is Parramatta’s favourite watering hole, so it’s no surprise that a table at the bar will be highly in demand on Wednesday night. They’ll be giving away free merch with every jug purchase (a deal that every Solotel venue will be throwing your way), so book a table and don’t miss out this Wednesday.
Where: 135 George St, Parramatta NSW 2150.
4. Coogee Bay Hotel, Coogee
Of course, the CBH is on this list. Boasting the biggest outdoor screens in the Eastern Suburbs, Coogee Bay Hotel will be showing Origin in the garden and their sports bar. They’re also offering insane giveaways throughout the evening, including $50,000 cash and branded merch. There will also be pints for schooner prices with VB.
Where: 253 Coogee Bay Road, Coogee NSW 2034.
5. Felons, Manly
Manly Wharf hotspot Felons is screening the final Origin game inside their venue, as well as outdoors on the Rivergarden and Fish ‘n’ Chipper Lawns. Whether you’re backing the Blues or bleeding Maroon, go and grab a cold Felons beer, tuck into some seriously tasty eats, and soak up the game-day buzz by the water.
Where: East Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095.
READ MORE: Oysters, views and a salt & vinegar martini? Felons Seafood is now open
6. Red Lion Hotel, Rozelle
If you’re organising an Origin night in the Inner West, the Red Lion Hotel has you covered. With a $22 steak special all day and $20 VB jugs during the game, this Rozelle favourite has all three important groups sorted: footy, food and beers.
Where: 726 Darling St, Rozelle NSW 2039.
7. The Clock, Surry Hills
This Surry Hills favourite will be showing the big game on multiple screens throughout their venue, though they recommend booking ahead to get the best seats in the house. Extra screens are being added to the Balcony Bar and $15 Tooheys jugs will be available with free merch to those who have reserved a table, so best to plan ahead with this one!
Where: 470 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010.
8. The Glenmore Hotel, The Rocks
The Glenmore Hotel is known for its perfectly-poured pints of Guinness, and this State of Origin, they’ll be showing the game paired with $12 pints of Balter to sip on as you cheer on your chosen team.
Where: 96 Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW 2000.
9. Vic on the Park, Marrickville
This funky Merivale venue (which has its own outside basketball court and bleachers) will be serving $8.50 pints of Tooheys New on Wednesday evening, and have promised a roaring crowd and cold beer on tap. Sit by the heaters outside and play some basketball during half-time — what more could you want?
Where: 2 Addison Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204.
10. Beach Road Hotel, Bondi
Beach Road Hotel say “No bookings, no fuss. Just good footy, cold beers, and the best seat in the house.” Their $20 half rack of BBQ pork ribs is the perfect game night feed.
Where: 71 Beach Rd, Bondi Beach NSW 2026.
11. The Marlborough Hotel, Newtown
The Inner-West’s buzziest bar is showing the deciding game, also offering free merch with every Tooheys jug purchase. Make your way down to King Street to soak in the atmosphere and cheer on the Blues.
Where: 145 King St, Newtown, NSW, Australia 2042.
12. Forrester’s, Surry Hills
Another Surry Hills gem that is screening the State of Origin decider is Forrester’s (who are also known for their extra special roast, featuring a ‘Big Yorkie’). With multiple TVs, bar snacks and plenty of pints on tap, it’s a great place to settle down and lock in to the game.
Where: 336 Riley St, Surry Hills NSW 2010.
READ MORE: 9 best spots for a hearty Sunday roast in Sydney
13. Northies Cronulla Hotel, Cronulla
If you’re based in the Shire or fancy a trip down there, make sure you head to Northies and take advantage of their game night special: $35 for a Mates Plate and two schooners. You can also enter to win a pocket bike — simply buy any drink or meal in the sports bar from 5pm and you’ll be entered in the draw!
Where: Kingsway &, 141-143 Elouera Rd, Cronulla NSW 2230.
14. Crows Nest Hotel, Crows Nest
The Crowie will be showing Game II on their big screens, with $10 pints of Super Dry and $18 souvlaki to keep you fed and watered. Check out their new renovations, and if your team wins, kick on until 4am (which is when the bar closes on Wednesdays).
Where: 1 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest NSW 2065.
15. The Locker Room, Sydney Olympic Park
The Locker Room will be broadcasting the game on their big outdoor screens, so head down to the Sydney Olympic Park and enjoy big feeds, drink specials, and an unbeatable atmosphere.
Where: 15 Olympic Boulevard, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127.
16. The Erko, Erskineville
The Erko will be showing the second round of the State of Origin on Wednesday. This family-friendly venue is perfect for dinner and drinks, so order a fried chicken burger or some pork ribs before you grab your pints and focus your attention on the big game.
Where: 102 Erskineville Rd, Erskineville NSW 2043.
17. The Log Cabin, Penrith
The Log Cabin takes the title of Penrith’s (unofficial) Origin HQ, serving up a $39 “Plate of Origin”, which features fried chicken, BBQ wings, salt and pepper prawns, wedges and slaw. They’ll also be serving up a $22 Tooheys jug, sorting you out for game night on the waterfront. This venue will get busy, so bookings are recommended.
Where: 20 Memorial Ave, Penrith NSW 2750.
18. Cargo Bar, Darling Harbour
With game-day energy in the air, Cargo Bar is the place to be for a big night by the water. With food and drink specials from 5pm to 10pm, big screen action and a buzzing social atmosphere, when the game finishes, the celebrations continue at Cargo Bar.
Where: King Street Wharf Darling Harbour, Darling Harbour, 52-60 The Promenade, Sydney NSW 2000.
State of Origin: Game III
Where: The game takes place at Accor Stadium in Sydney Olympic Park; however, all these venues will be screening it.
When: Wednesday, July 9, kick-off commences at 8:05pm.
Price: All venues included have free entry.