Blues, Maroons Clash in Decisive Origin Game
Series heads to Accor Stadium as NSW eyes back-to-back titles against Queensland.
State of Origin comes down to this: Laurie Daley‘s New South Wales Blues host Billy Slater‘s Queensland Maroons in a highly anticipated 2025 series decider Wednesday night. The Blues are favored to clinch consecutive series victories on their home turf at Sydney’s Accor Stadium.
Injury Updates
Despite injury concerns, Brian To’o and Payne Haas have been declared fit for the Blues, according to coach Daley, who anticipates his team will remain unchanged, barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Meanwhile, Queensland captain Cameron Munster is set to join the Maroons camp on Tuesday and will participate in the game following the recent death of his father, Steven Munster, at age 58, according to Slater.
Recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reveals that, on average, men tend to have shorter lifespans than women, with factors like cardiovascular disease and cancer being major contributors AIHW, 2024.
Game Schedule and Results
Here’s a recap of the series so far:
- Game I (May 28): NSW Blues defeated QLD Maroons 18-6 at Suncorp Stadium.
- Game II (June 18): QLD Maroons defeated NSW Blues 26-24 at Optus Stadium, Perth.
- Game III (July 9): Accor Stadium, NSW.
Kick-Off Time and Coverage
The game is scheduled to kick off at 8.05pm AEST. However, keep in mind that the start time may be slightly delayed due to pre-match ceremonies. Foxtel will offer extensive pre-match coverage and replays after the game.
Weather Forecast
Sydney’s weather forecast predicts partly cloudy conditions with a high of 20 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. Temperatures are expected to drop to around 13C by kick-off, with only a slight chance of showers in the early evening.
Odds (TAB)
Here are the latest odds:
Head-to-head:
- NSW: $1.38
- QLD: $3.10
Player of the match:
- Nathan Cleary: $5
- Dylan Edwards: $8.50
- Payne Haas: $9
- Cameron Munster: $9
- Isaah Yeo: $11
- Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow: $15
- Latrell Mitchell: $15
- Harry Grant: $15
- Jarome Luai: $17
- Tom Dearden: $19
Team Lineups
The official team lineups will be confirmed one hour before kick-off.
QLD Maroons:
- Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
- Xavier Coates
- Robert Toia
- Gehamat Shibasaki
- Valentine Holmes
- Cameron Munster (c)
- Tom Dearden
- Josh Papalii
- Harry Grant
- Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
- Reuben Cotter
- Kurt Capewell
- Trent Loiero
- Kurt Mann
- Lindsay Collins
- Patrick Carrigan
- Jeremiah Nanai
Reserves: Reece Walsh, J’maine Hopgood, Josh Kerr. Coach: Billy Slater.
NSW Blues:
- Dylan Edwards
- Brian To’o
- Stephen Crichton
- Latrell Mitchell
- Zac Lomax
- Jarome Luai
- Nathan Cleary
- Max King
- Reece Robson
- Payne Haas
- Liam Martin
- Angus Crichton
- Isaah Yeo (c)
- Connor Watson
- Spencer Leniu
- Hudson Young
- Stefano Utoikamanu
Reserves: Jacob Kiraz, Lindsay Smith, Bradman Best. Coach: Laurie Daley.
Match Officials
The officials for Game III are:
- Referee: Ashley Klein
- Touch Judges: Chris Sutton and David Munro
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Recent Origin Series Winners
Here are the State of Origin series winners from the last 20 years:
- 2024: New South Wales
- 2023: Queensland
- 2022: Queensland
- 2021: New South Wales
- 2020: Queensland
- 2019: New South Wales
- 2018: New South Wales
- 2017: Queensland
- 2016: Queensland
- 2015: Queensland
- 2014: New South Wales
- 2013: Queensland
- 2012: Queensland
- 2011: Queensland
- 2010: Queensland
- 2009: Queensland
- 2008: Queensland
- 2007: Queensland
- 2006: Queensland
- 2005: New South Wales
- 2004: New South Wales
Wally Lewis Medal Winners (Last 20 Years)
Here’s a look at the Wally Lewis Medal winners from the past 20 years:
- 2024 – Angus Crichton
- 2023 – Reuben Cotter
- 2022 – Patrick Carrigan
- 2021 – Tom Trbojevic
- 2020 – Cameron Munster
- 2019 – James Tedesco
- 2018 – Billy Slater
- 2017 – Dane Gagai
- 2016 – Cameron Smith
- 2015 – Corey Parker
- 2014 – Paul Gallen
- 2013 – Cameron Smith
- 2012 – Nate Myles
- 2011 – Cameron Smith
- 2010 – Billy Slater
- 2009 – Greg Inglis
- 2008 – Johnathan Thurston
- 2007 – Cameron Smith
- 2006 – Darren Lockyer
- 2005 – Anthony Minichiello
- 2004 – Craig Fitzgibbon
