The Ultimate Game Day Meat Guide for State of Origin Nights in Australia

When State of Origin rolls around, it’s not just another night on the calendar — it’s basically a national holiday for footy fans across Australia.

Whether you’re in Sydney backyards, Brisbane balconies, or Melbourne living rooms, the vibe is the same: mates gathered around, jerseys on, beers chilled, and the BBQ working overtime like it’s in the 80th minute of a grand final.

Because let’s be honest — Origin isn’t watched quietly. It’s watched with noise, banter, and a serious amount of food disappearing off the grill.

And if your BBQ game isn’t strong, you’re basically playing defence all night.

That’s where premium meat makes all the difference. From sizzling tomahawk steaks that look like they belong in extra time highlights, to juicy ribeyes, lamb cutlets, sausages and wings that vanish faster than a breakaway try, your Origin spread can easily go from average to full championship level.

Across NSW and Australia-wide, footy fans are upgrading their game day experience — moving away from last-minute supermarket runs and instead getting restaurant-quality meat delivered straight to their door. No queues, no empty shelves, no panic before kickoff.

So whether you’re hosting a full backyard Origin BBQ in Sydney, a balcony watch party in Parramatta, or a couch commentary session with mates yelling at the ref from home, this guide will help you build the ultimate game day feed.

Because in footy terms — great meat doesn’t just support the game… it wins it.

 

BEST MEATS FOR STATE OF ORIGIN BBQS

When it comes to game day, not all meats are equal.

🥩 Steak (the hero of every BBQ)

• Ribeye – rich, juicy, full-flavoured cut
• Scotch fillet – tender and perfect for grilling
• Eye fillet – lean, buttery soft premium cut
• Tomahawk steak – big, bold, and made for sharing

Perfect for: grilling, sharing, and “wow factor” moments. Shop all steak cuts here

🍗 Chicken (crowd favourite)

• Wings – crispy, snackable, game-night essential
• Thigh cutlets – juicy and full of flavour
• Marinated BBQ chicken – easy, ready-to-cook option

Perfect for: casual grazing while watching the game. Shop all chicken cuts here

🐖 Pork (BBQ essential)

• Pork belly – crispy skin, rich and indulgent
• Ribs – slow-cooked, fall-off-the-bone
• Sausages – classic BBQ staple for any crowd

Perfect for: slow cook BBQs and feeding a group. Shop all pork cuts here

🐑 Lamb (Aussie classic)

• Lamb cutlets – quick, tender, and premium
• Lamb shoulder – slow-cooked and shareable
• BBQ lamb chops – simple, juicy, and flavour-packed

Perfect for: elevated game day feasts. Shop all lamb cuts here

🦐 Seafood (BBQ crowd favourite)

• King prawns – sweet, juicy, and perfect on the grill
• Garlic prawns – quick-cook, full of flavour
• Prawn skewers – easy, mess-free BBQ option
• Marinated seafood mix – simple surf-and-turf upgrade

Perfect for: light BBQ options, starters, or surf-and-turf game night spreads. See all seafood options here

 

FEATURED GAME DAY PICKS

These are the top picks for your Origin BBQ — built for sharing, grilling, and game-night grazing.

• 🥩 Premium Wagyu Tomahawk MB6+ (Show Stopper)

  A massive, bone-in ribeye made for the BBQ hero moment.
  Perfect for slicing up mid-game and feeding the whole crew.

  👉 Best for: big Origin gatherings & “wow factor” grilling

• 🥩 Wagyu Ribeye Cutlet Delmonico MB6+ (BBQ Favourite)

  Rich, juicy, and full of marbling for maximum flavour on the grill.
  A reliable go-to when you want restaurant-quality steak at home.

  👉 Best for: quick sear BBQ cooking

• 🍗 Chicken Supreme Skin On (Game Night Essential)

  Easy, messy, and made for snacking between plays.
  Glazed or marinated, they disappear fast once the game kicks off.

  👉 Best for: casual grazing during Origin

• 🐑 Tomahawk Lamb Cutlets (Premium BBQ Pick)

  Tender, flavour-packed cutlets that cook quickly and impress instantly.
  A step up from standard BBQ fare for a more premium spread.

  👉 Best for: elevated game day feasts

• 🦐 Ocean King Prawns Cooked (Surf & Turf Upgrade)

  Sweet, juicy prawns that grill in minutes and bring a coastal twist to your BBQ.
  Perfect alongside steak for a full surf-and-turf Origin setup.

  👉 Best for: quick BBQ starters or seafood sharing plates

 

Whether you’re firing up the BBQ for State of Origin in Sydney, hosting mates in the suburbs, or settling in for a big night of footy across Australia, the right food turns a good game into a great one. From sizzling steaks to fresh prawns and premium seafood, it’s all about creating that unforgettable game day spread.

At Manettas Seafood Market, we’re proud to deliver premium-quality meat and seafood straight to your door, trusted by households across Australia. We service Sydney Metro, greater NSW regions, and selected regional areas, as well as major cities including Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, and surrounding metro zones, making it easy to get restaurant-quality produce no matter where your game day is happening.

So this Origin season, don’t just watch the game — host it properly, with Manettas delivering the quality that takes your BBQ from standard to stadium-level.