How long does a State of Origin game go for? NSW vs. QLD start and finish time tonight

State of Origin has reached its crescendo for 2024, with the Blues and Maroons to face off in a decider tonight.

Game 3 will take place in Brisbane, as New South Wales look to snatch a series win against Queensland on enemy territory.

The Sporting News has the key timings for tonight.

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How long does a State of Origin game go for?

An Origin match – just like a standard NRL game – consists of two 40-minute halves, with a total playing time of 80 minutes.

Unlike sports like football, rugby league does not use a rolling clock.

Instead, the clock is paused when there is a stoppage in play, which is typically utilised for penalties and injuries.

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The full-time whistle can only be blown once the last play is completed after 80 minutes, giving the team in possession one last chance to score.

Factoring in stoppages and a 15-minute half-time break, an Origin game typically lasts between 90 and 100 minutes from start to finish.

How long is State of Origin half-time?

While Origin is still a sporting spectacle, there's no Super Bowl-esque half-time show.

Players simply head back into their respective sheds for 15 minutes.

This is longer than the standard NRL half-time length though, which is set at 10 minutes.

When does State of Origin start? Game 3 kick-off time

Game 3 will be played on Wednesday, July 17. 

The game is scheduled to kick off at 8:05 pm AEST, although the start is typically delayed by five to 10 minutes.

When does State of Origin finish? Game 3 end time

We can expect half-time to be called at roughly 9:00 pm AEST, with the full-time whistle to be blown just after 10:00 pm AEST.

This is, of course, subject to any significant stoppages in play.

State of Origin 2024 schedule