Where to watch the State of Origin

Newport Arms Hotel

Newport

Cheer as loudly as you possibly can and the neighbours still won't hear you at this venue on Pittwater. Head down between 4pm and 6:30 pm for happy hour $4.20 schooners and to watch the game on the Arms' outdoor cinema-size screen. Once you are all screamed out, build up your energy stores with a gourmet pizza from the Garden Bistro, or, for the more refined sports fan, a modern Mediterranean menu is available at the Terrace.

Coogee Bay Hotel

Coogee

Tuck into some $10 chicken wings and beer jugs while you watch the Maroons clash with the Blues. The game will screen in the sports bar and on the cinema-size screen at Selina's Nightclub. For those of you with the pre-game jitters, other entertainment will be offered from 6pm prior to the game. With seven bars and a beer garden you will have quick access to a celebratory drink or two, or to drown your sorrows. If the competition becomes too heated, break bread over a $15 steak special at the hotel Brasserie.

30 Knots

Sydney

Four big screens, a poolroom, $10 beer jugs and free footy snacks, 30 Knots is geared up for a night of hard hits. If this isn't enough to satisfy, 30 Knots has a gourmet dinner menu that will tear your eyes away from the screen, if only for a second. For those not-so-diehard fans, devote your attention to the innovative beer cocktails list and in the spirit of victory settle in with a King of Diamonds.

York 75

Sydney

The ultimate venue to watch this battle of the ages, with 20 screens – two of which are 3D – you won't know where to look. York 75 prides itself on catering to a super sports fan's every whim. Book a booth for you and six mates, complete with a personal LED screen. Put your money where your mouth is at the in-house sports betting or TAB stations.

The Beresford Hotel

Darlinghurst

Make the most of the mid-week madness and enjoy $10 jugs and footy snacks at the Beresford. Kick back in this grand pub and watch the game in warmth on two huuuuge screens. If your spirits need lifting by the end of the night, bury your head into a cinnamon doughnut or a chocolate brownie with caramel and pistachio. A fancy man's way to watch the game.

The Oaks Hotel

Neutral Bay

The game that pits state against state, mate against mate, is best enjoyed over a few cold beers. And this is a top place for just that. Take the edge off and watch the game in the tranquil setting of the Oak's beer garden. Rest assured, if Queensland scores the first try there will be no hope of keeping everyone calm. The sprawling pub also has a new addition, The Ninteenthirtysixbar.

Exchange Hotel Balmain

Balmain

Not just your stock-standard jug of beer, the Exchange Hotel is offering $10 jugs of James Squire. We. Are. In. Love. The game will screen on three plasmas in the downstairs Beattie Bar. A $10 bar food menu is also available in this area. Get there early to wind down, or rev up before the game at the sprawling Balcony Bar.

Golden Sheaf Hotel

Double Bay

Footy runs through this pub's veins, so catch the game on the Sports Bar's big screen and three plasmas. At half time imagine the ref is the eight ball and unleash your tension on one of three pool tables. And when the last try has been converted, crank up the jukebox, our advice steer clear of 'We are the Champions'. If you can't resist, head to the Back Bar where DJ Shipwrecked and guest Jackson James will be playing.

Cabana Bar

St Leonards

Home to the biggest screen on the North Shore, Cabana Bar are making no attempts to hide their support for the Blues. Fellow Blues supporters can grab any pizza and Fat Yak Pale Ale for $20. Set yourself up in the outdoor heated courtyard where the game will be projected onto the neighbouring building. For something a little more low-key curl up on the couches in their Cinema Room.

Clovelly Hotel

Clovelly

Wear your heart on your sleeve with the chance to win State of Origin merchandise at Clovelly Hotel. The game will be live throughout the pub, with a 4m by 4m big screen set up specifically for the event. Accompany this great Aussie battle with the hotel's $12 steak meal deal.