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Scott, Cox to Lead Victoria and WA for State of Origin Return in Perth on Feb. 14, 2026

Squads will be picked by junior-club draft origin, with selection panels plus staff appointments to be announced before initial lists next month.

Overview

  • The AFL named Geelong’s Chris Scott to coach Victoria and Sydney’s Dean Cox to lead Western Australia for the Optus Stadium clash.
  • Player eligibility will be determined by the location of the junior club from which each player was drafted, not birthplace.
  • Each head coach will choose three assistant coaches and a high-performance manager, with chairmen of selectors and committees to be confirmed shortly.
  • Initial squad announcements are slated to begin next month as preparations ramp up for the February fixture.
  • This will be the first men’s State of Origin since 1999, and the first Victoria–Western Australia meeting as state sides since 1992.