They won’t blow the budget, either.
The State of Origin final game is creeping up and we are so here for it. On Wednesday, July 8, the NSW Blues and QLD Maroons will go head to head to see who takes home the 2026 title after a win for each in the first two games. There have been 24 deciders in the State of Origin’s history, and the Maroons have collected the shield 16 of those times. Can NSW come through with the goods this year?
If you’re settling in to watch the game, wearing your team’s colours, with a few mates at home, we’ve rounded up the best beers for the occasion. Below, you’ll find some of the best beers to sip from the two states while you watch all the action, with some top food ideas, too.
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For the Queensland supporters
1. XXXX Gold Lager
The Maroons, led by coached by Billy Slater and captained by Cameron Munster, are looking to go back to back this year. And there’s no more fitting local beer for cheering on the Queensland team than an ice-cold XXXX Gold. Crisp, easy drinking and a little bitter with a hint of sweetness, this pairs best with your mates and some fish and chips. Extra points for XXXX beer-battered fish.
2. Balter XPA
We love Balter’s XPA, the tropical brew from Currumbin on the Gold Coast. It’s an easy-drinking tinnie that’s floral and fruity – think grapefruit, mango and passionfruit. We’re going full Queensland and serving the XPA at half time with a few lamgintons (jam and cream encouraged).
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3. Black Hops G.O.A.T. Hazy IPA
It’s named the G.O.A.T. for a reason. This hazy IPA from the Gold Coast’s Black Hops has everything we love – it’s creamy and smooth, with tropical flavours like mango, passionfruit, pineapple, citrus and papaya, and it’s all backed by a soft malt and fruity bitterness. Three words: pulled-pork sliders.
For the NSW supporters
4. Mountain Culture Cult IPA
NSW superfans – the Mountain Culture Cult IPA is for you. Laurie Daley is leading your team as coach with Isaah Yeo as your captain, and after a two-game loss in 2025, the Blues are looking to get one (or three) back. We reckon you can’t go wrong with this Cult IPA from the award-winning Blue Mountains brewery. The New England IPA is juicy, tropical and pairs well with a cheeseburger (ordered in or homemade – you choose).
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5. Young Henrys Newtowner Australian Pale Ale
Headed to your mate’s place in Sydney’s inner west to watch the game? You’ll need the Young Henrys Newtowner Pale Ale (bonus marks for the blue can, too). You can expect fruity hops, notes of citrus and malty goodness to round it all out. Sydney Rock oysters, anyone?
6. 4 Pines Dark Lager
If a dark lager is more your speed, then let us introduce you to this one from 4 Pines in Manly on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. It’s rich with roasted malt, black coffee and dark chocolate flavours, and a cola-like sweetness. We think game night calls for barbecued ribs.
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