Maroons celebrate victory in Game 1 of 2025 State of Origin series against NSW (Source : The Guardian )
Queensland have drawn first blood in the 2025 NRL State of Origin series, defeating New South Wales in a nail-biting Game 1 clash that left fans across the country gasping. Queensland’s thrilling victory answered the big question: Who won State of Origin 2025?
Played at a packed Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, the Maroons edged the Blues 22–20 in a game that swung wildly from one end of the field to the other. The contest was fierce, physical, and lived up to the hype surrounding one of rugby league’s most anticipated annual events.
A Match Decided by Inches
With just minutes on the clock, Queensland held on in defence as NSW pushed hard for a match-winning try. A late break from Reece Walsh flipped the field and allowed the Maroons to hang on — delivering the result that has now dominated every headline in Australia: Queensland win Origin Game 1 of 2025.
The match featured key moments from both sides, but it was Queensland’s ability to convert pressure into points early that proved the difference. NSW, trailing by ten at the break, mounted a stirring second-half comeback but ultimately ran out of time.
Payne Haas Stands Tall, But Not Enough
For the Blues, Payne Haas was a standout, consistently punching holes through Queensland’s defensive line and leading the forwards with intent. But the Maroons’ defensive discipline, led by Patrick Carrigan and Lindsay Collins, shut down NSW’s late momentum.
The state of origin score tells only part of the story. This was a game defined by energy swings, brutal collisions, and moments of pure brilliance — everything fans expect from an origin game.
Crowd, Tension, and a Suncorp Masterclass
With 50,000-plus in attendance and millions more watching via 9Now and Channel Nine, Game 1 captured the full attention of sports fans across the country. The QLD vs NSW 2025 showdown lived up to its billing, with Queensland’s home crowd roaring the side home in the final moments.
The buzz wasn’t just limited to Brisbane. In Sydney pubs, country town halls, and even on screens overseas, the clash reaffirmed why State of Origin remains the beating heart of Australian sport.
What This Means for Game 2
All eyes now turn to Game 2, which will be hosted at Accor Stadium in Sydney, where NSW will aim to level the series in front of their home crowd. State of Origin Game 2 is scheduled for June 26, and pressure is already mounting on the Blues’ coaching staff to make tactical adjustments.
Selection questions loom, particularly in the halves, where execution fell short in key moments. Meanwhile, Queensland will be looking to wrap the series early — something they haven’t managed on NSW turf since 2017.
A Look Back at the Origin Scoreboard
- Final Score – Game 1: QLD 22 def. NSW 20
- Halftime Score: QLD 16 – NSW 6
- Man of the Match: Reece Walsh (QLD)
- Top Tackler: Cameron Murray (NSW)
- Most Run Metres: Selwyn Cobbo (QLD) – 212m
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Fans React: Thrilled, Gutted, Hopeful
Social media exploded post-match, with the hashtag #Origin2025 trending in Australia and parts of the UK and New Zealand. Blues fans praised Haas and Murray’s efforts, while Maroons supporters lauded Walsh’s game-breaking instincts and Ben Hunt’s control at dummy half.
One fan posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Who won State of Origin 2025? Queensland did — but not without a war. Game 2 will be nuclear.”
Read full post-match analysis via Sydney Morning Herald
Final Thoughts: The Stage Is Set
If the question was who won State of Origin 2025, Queensland now holds the answer — at least for now. But in this rivalry, nothing is over until the third whistle blows.
New South Wales will go back to the drawing board, while Queensland basks in a hard-earned win. But one thing is certain — with Origin Game 2 looming, the battle has only just begun.
