The Sunshine Coast will be the hub of State of Origin training activity this year following confirmation of the Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons’ move to the region for camps across the 2026 series.
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.
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Rosanna Natoli said it was a tremendous coup for the region to have both Queensland teams based in the region.
“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.”
Cross is excited about the opportunity to prepare the Maroons on the Sunshine Coast.
“We’re thrilled to be based in such a strong rugby league region that is now home to 6500 registered players, and more than 1000 of these participants are women and girls who love their rugby league,” Cross said.
“We’re looking forward to using the Sunshine Coast Stadium and the whole precinct there. It’s a world-class facility which is going to be outstanding for our program.
“Being based here will give us the best chance for success and we’re really appreciative of the support form the Sunshine Coast Council.”
Details regarding open training sessions and official regional fan days for both the men’s and women’s Origin teams will be announced in due course.
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Pictured: QRL General Manager of Pathways and Performance Glenn Ottaway with Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Rosanna Natoli and Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons coach Nathan Cross.
