The NRL’s biggest rivalry is back, kicking off on Wednesday, May 27, with Game I taking over Sydney’s Accor Stadium.
The annual best-of-three rugby league series promises a night of beers, cheers and pub feeds, and we’ve made a list of the best places to watch the game if you can’t see the action live. The game takes place at Accor Stadium, and with the other two games taking place in Brisbane and Melbourne, this is the only one NSW’s home turf.
Feeling blue that you don’t have a ticket to the game? Don’t worry – with plenty of bars and pubs serving up exclusive food and drink deals, as well as exciting giveaways, from game tickets to cash, you won’t miss out on a minute of the action.
Here are our top pub picks for your ultimate Origin night.
1. 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 $8 of Toohey’s New schooners. 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.
2. The Village Inn, Paddington
One of Paddo’s favourite pubs, the Village Inn, will be serving up $10 pints if NSW scores first. They’ll also be offering buy one, get one half price on burgers and schnittys until 7:30pm, so you can stay full and energised as you cheer on your team.
Where: 9-11 Glenmore Rd, Paddington NSW 2021.
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 serving up $15 Tooheys jugs from 6pm on game day, and there’ll also be free merch up for grabs. Simply book a table, and you will automatically be entered into the draw to win a NSW Blues jersey.
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 the sports bar. They’re offering pints of Hahn SuperDry for schooner prices all May long, so what better time to make the most of this offer?
Where: 253 Coogee Bay Road, Coogee NSW 2034.
5. Felons, Manly
Manly Wharf hotspot Felons is screening the Origin game inside their venue, at both Felons Manly and the funky new Felons Barrel Room. Whether you’re backing the Blues or bleeding Maroon, go and grab a fresh Felons beer on tap, tuck into some seriously tasty eats, and soak up the game-day buzz by the water.
Where: East Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095.
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, plus the chance to win cash or merch with every Tooheys purchase, the Red Lion is the place to be.
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. The Clock is screening the full Women’s and Men’s series, with $18 Tooheys jugs from 6pm on all game days and free merch up for grabs.
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 at their stunning Rocks location. Click here to plan ahead and book a table.
Where: 96 Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW 2000.
9. Vic on the Park, Marrickville
This funky Marrickville venue (which has its own outside basketball court and bleachers) will be serving pints Hahn SuperDry for schooner prices on Wednesday evening, promising 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 Wednesday food deal, $18 tacos, 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 this year’s big game, offering the chance of winning a NSW Blues jersey when you book a table for the game. 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 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.
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 of house beer. Plus, Toohey’s New Schooners will be $6.50 on game days, and if you purchase a Toohey’s New Pint, you’ll receive a token for their claw machine for your chance to win prizes.
Where: Kingsway &, 141-143 Elouera Rd, Cronulla NSW 2230.
14. Crows Nest Hotel, Crows Nest
The Crowie will be showing the State of Origins on their big screens, as well as holding a NSW Blues jersey giveaway and offering up a $20 rump steak special. You can book your table here.
Where: 1 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest NSW 2065.
15. The Locker Room, Sydney Olympic Park
The Locker Room will be screening the game live on its big outdoor screens, so head to Sydney Olympic Park, grab a beer from one of the pop-up bars and soak up the atmosphere. There’ll also be merch giveaways, prizes to be won, and exclusive Tooheys tracksuits up for grabs.
Where: 15 Olympic Boulevard, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127.
16. The Erko, Erskineville
The Erko will be showing 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 $8 Tooheys New Schooners and focus your attention on the big game.
Where: 102 Erskineville Rd, Erskineville NSW 2043.
17. The Bank, Newtown
The Bank is set to bring every second of the women’s and men’s series to the big screens across game days, streaming all the action live and loud, with $15 Tooheys jugs flowing from 6pm and free merch up for grabs. Expect a packed house, big screens and an electric game day atmosphere.
Where: 324 King Street, Newtown, Australia, 2042.
18. The Woodstock, Rooty Hill
Rooty Hill’s local legend, The Woodstock, is getting behind State of Origin, screening both the women’s and men’s series across the Sports Bar and Beer Garden. Fans can soak up the atmosphere while enjoying $15 Tooheys jugs from 6pm on all game days, along with free merch available to bring game days to life.
Where: Cnr Woodstock Avenue &, Duke St, Rooty Hill NSW 2766
Can I still get tickets to the game?
Yes, you can still get tickets to the game next Wednesday! Tickets start at $99, with the most expensive costing $329 before considering VIP packages. These packages will set you back $489 to $509. A handling fee of $6.95 per transaction also applies. Click here to book your seats.
