The 28 names confirmed for State of Origin

A host of elite talent has been added to both the Victoria and West Australian sides for the return of State of Origin.

Max Gawn, Noah Anderson, Hugh McCluggage, Max Holmes, Jack Sinclair, Tom Stewart, Toby Greene, Jacob Weitering and Sam Darcy have joined the Chris Scott's Vics for the February 14 showdown at Optus Stadium.

“After sitting down with (Victorian chairman of selectors) Garry Lyon, it was quickly apparent there’s a phenomenal talent pool to pick from and it’s fantastic to have Marcus, Matt, Zak and Jeremy commit to the Vics,” Scott said.

“Marcus, Matt, Zak and Jeremy are elite players in their own right and embody what is great about our game and what Origin football represents and as we edge closer to the game, there’s a real sense of anticipation building.

“I know I speak for all the boys when I say there’s enormous pride and excitement about pulling on the Big V and representing our state.”

SEN's Sam Edmund was surprised not to see Patrick Dangerfield's name for the Vics.

"I thought Dangerfield would be included here," he said. "Maybe he is still to come."

With some still on the fence about Origin and the timing - which will come just three weeks from the opening round of the 2026 season, Edmund added: "Are we going to be invested? Will we sit there watching? Of course. But will we be wanting to beat WA or will be just be casual observers?

"For high performance staff, this will go against everything in their being."

WA meanwhile have selected Charlie Cameron and Kysaiah Pickett who will be joined by Luke Jackson, Liam Baker, Darcy Cameron, Jordan Clark, Bradley Hill, Jesse Hogan and Sam Taylor.

“I’m really happy with how the squad is shaping up, with 14 of the state’s best homegrown footballers locked in and ready to represent Western Australia,” WA coach Dean Cox said.

“They’re all players who know how to stand up in big moments, and half of them are premiership players which will be invaluable experience on the Origin stage.

“I am also excited to see a few familiar faces team up again. ‘Kozzy’ and Luke were great teammates at Melbourne, and Liam Baker and Shai Bolton forged something special together at Richmond. Seeing those combinations back together in the ‘Black Swan’ will be awesome.

“I can’t wait to sit down with Justin and Glen to finalise the rest of the squad.”

Cam Mooney meanwhile, continues to refer to Origin as a "mickey mouse" event.

"I’ve never been huge on origin," he said on SEN Breakfast. "If this game isn’t played to the level, then how long until we fall out of love with it again?

"It has to be very high intensity (but then) we are only an injury away from it being ended.

"You're cherry ripe in February and you're playing in a mickey mouse game. It’s very nerve wrecking from a club point of view."

2026 AAMI AFL Origin squads

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Aaron Naughton
Patrick Cripps
Shai Bolton
Tom Barrass
Chad Warner
Liam Baker
Charlie Cameron
Darcy Cameron
Jordan Clark
Bradley Hill
Jesse Hogan
Luke Jackson
Kysaiah Pickett
Sam Taylor

VICTORIA

Zak Butters
Marcus Bontempelli
Jeremy Cameron
Matt Rowell
Nick Daicos
Max Gawn
Noah Anderson
Hugh McCluggage
Max Holmes
Jack Sinclair
Tom Stewart
Toby Greene
Jacob Weitering
Sam Darcy

• more players will be announced