SAFA Skysailor Magazine

28 SKY SAILOR June-July-August | WINTER 2026 Queensland returned as defending champions after another strong Cane Toad victory in 2025, while the World Barbarian Bugs had spent the last few years steadily climbing the ranks. As always, the NSW Cockroaches turned up in big numbers making up over 40% of the pilot field. A fuel crisis in the lead-up to the event resulted in some last-minute drop-outs and a slightly smaller State of Origin than usual, with 132 of 150 spots filled. A pretty noticeable difference after last year’s sign- ups managed to crash the website. State of Origin 2026: Bombastic conditions into a Barbarian victory After last year’s pretty cruddy weather, it seemed that most people arrived in Manilla trying not to get too excited about the flying conditions. by Carol Liang, Cane Toad Co- Captain (and a bit of a Barbarian)