UPDATE TIMES: As State of Origin fever heats up, footballs an hour after dawn will take place in Mungindi, with the Today Extra morning show on the NINE Network crossing live at 7.20am.

The prime-time coverage is sure to give Mungindi nationwide exposure when Moree Plains Shire Council mayor Susannah Pearse and Balonne Shire Council mayor Samantha O’Toole meet on the Mungindi Bridge to draw a chalk-line between Queensland and New South Wales.

Everyone is invited to attend the ultimate cross-border showdown between 7am and 9am ahead of the first 2025 State of Origin clash when Queensland Maroons take on defending title-holders New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane Wednesday night.

The Blues last year took home the State of Origin Shield, beating the Maroons 14-4 – the first series-deciding win by New South Wales in Queensland since 2005.

The State of Origin Mayors’ Border Battle on the Mungindi Bridge next Wednesday, May 28, will take place between 7am and 9am, with the public invited to attend the ultimate cross-border showdown ahead of the 2025 State of Origin tri-series opener.

There will be a range of activities and face-painting, barbecue breakfast, and a live cross to the Today Extra morning show.

The event will showcase cross-border mateship in a town literally bridging the state divide to celebrate the greatest interstate rivalry of them all.

Moree Plains Shire mayor Susannah Pearse is ready for the cross-border showdown.

“Our Councils might be the best of friends on community initiatives, but when it comes to State of Origin, it’s time to draw a line in the sand, or on the bridge in this instance,” Cr Pearse said.

Balonne Shire mayor Samantha O’Toole is not backing down in the lead-up to the border battle.

“We’re more than happy to work with Moree Plains on water, roads and other community support, but I’m going to draw the line at State of Origin time,” Cr O’Toole said.

“But seriously, we’re both proud to be part of something that not only celebrates our community spirit, but puts Mungindi on the map in such a fun and memorable way,” she said.

Battle of the Borders

When: Wednesday, May 28

Time: 8am to 10am

Where: Mungindi Bridge (pedestrian walkway), Mungindi

What to wear: Support your state by wearing blue or maroon.