State of Origin is back! Here are the best places to catch all the action

If you’re a league fan, it doesn’t get any better than this: State of Origin is back!

If you’re looking for venues to catch the action at Adelaide Oval from the comfort of the capital, we’ve got you covered!

Here are some top venues to watch the Blues and Maroons go head-to-head in sport’s greatest rivalry.

The Dock

When: Wednesday 31 May, from 5:30 pm
Where: 7/81 Giles Street, Kingston; book here.

Watch NRL’s best battle it out from one of the Kingston foreshore pub’s multiple screens. The waterside venue will host a watch party for State of Origin game one, with those enjoying a Carlton Draught, Dry, Balter or Great Northern going into the running to win a 2023 State of Origin jersey. Plus, grab a bite from a menu of pub classics, pizza, tacos and more.

Eastlake Football Club

When: Wednesday 31 May, from 8:05 pm
Where: 3 Oxley St, Griffith; book on 6228 0999.

It’s that time of the year again at Eastlake Football Club. The south-side venue will screen all three State of Origin games live and loud on its big-screen TVs. What’s more, a NSW jersey will be up for grabs for every game. Not sure what to order before watching NSW and Queensland face off? Executive chef Anthony Craig recommended the sea scallop and chorizo risotto to Region.

The Alby

When: Wednesday 31 May, from 8:05 pm
Where: The Alby, 45 Furzer Street, Phillip; book here.

Game one will be screened live and loud at The Alby, but that’s not all. Sweeteners include $5 Tooheys New schooners, first-try sweep, giveaways and meal deals, including $1 chicken wings and two-foot pizzas for the price of a standard. Looking for something to do before 8 pm? Why not try your hand at duckpin bowling, pinball or pool in The Alby’s games basement?

Gungahlin Lakes Club

When: Game nights (31 May, 21 June and 12 July), from 5 pm
Where: Gungahlin Lakes Club, 110 Gundaroo Drive, Nicholls; book here.

On all three game nights, Gungahlin Lakes Club will be giving away a 2023 State of Origin jersey and 10 stubbie coolers to Blues and Maroons supporters who enter with the purchase of select beers. Plus, The Lakes Restaurant will serve gourmet pizzas and a Riverina steak selection before and while (up to 8:30 pm) the game is being shown on the club’s big screen.

Lighthouse Pub

When: Game nights (31 May, 21 June and 12 July), from 5 pm
Where: Lighthouse Pub, 80 Emu Bank, Belconnen; book here.

State of Origin bookings are now open with all three blockbuster games to be screened at the Lighthouse Pub. Rug up outside in the beer garden or escape Canberra Winter indoors for a pre-game pizza, burger, steak or salad. What’s more, get together your mates the night before the games and assemble a trivia team to compete in the pub’s weekly Tuesday trivia from 7:30 pm.

Fenway Public House

When: Wednesday 31 May, from 8 pm
Where: Fenway Public House, 9 Bradley Street, Phillip; book here.

The contemporary, casual pub in Phillip invites Canberrans to grab a beer, a feed and gather around its big screens for State of Origin game one. Choose your vantage point from a landing overlooking the bar, a sunken indoor beer garden or a marquee-inspired cocktail sunroom. Live music lovers can head back later in the week, from Friday to Sunday, for live acoustic tunes.

Canberra Southern Cross Club

When: Game nights (31 May, 21 June and 12 July), from 8:05 pm
Where: Woden, Tuggeranong and Jamison venues; see details and book here.

Canberra Southern Cross Club is bringing State of Origin north-side and south-side, with all three games being screened at the club’s Woden (92-96 Corinna Street, Phillip), Tuggeranong (corner Pitman and Holwell Street, Greenway) and Jamison (corner Catchpole and Bowman Street, Macquarie) venues. And, of course, all locations come equipped with dining and beverage options.