QLD clinch series with dominant 24-12 victory over NSW in thrilling State of Origin decider

The State of Origin series delivered an exciting conclusion as Queensland secured a decisive victory in Game Three for 2025 in Sydney on Wednesday night.

After a win for the NSW Blues in the first match and a comeback from the Maroons in the second, it all came down to a showdown at Accor Stadium in front of more than 80,000 fans.

In a stunning performance, Queensland defeated the Blues 24-12. The visitors set the tone early by scoring three tries in the first half.

Maroons' star Tom Dearden not only scored two tries but also made key defensive stops to keep the Blues in check.

Queensland captain Cameron Munster showed incredible courage, playing just days after the heartbreaking news of his father's passing.

The victory also marked a milestone achievement for the Maroons, as it was their first series win after losing the opening game since 2017.

Dearden's outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Match.

Both teams had equal possession at 50-50, but Queensland had a higher completion rate with 37 successful plays out of 40 attempts compared to the Blues’ 33 out of 40.

Errors played a major role, with the Blues committing 11 mistakes, while Queensland made only two. The Maroons were also penalised more, giving away seven penalties compared to the Blues' two.

Queensland have defied the odds to clinch the series for 2025. Photo/NRL

Maroons' coach Billy Slater made some bold decisions for the decider, including bringing veteran Josh Papali'i out of retirement and selecting rookie Gehamat Shibasaki.

Slater also promoted Munster to captain and moved Dearden to halfback, moving veteran and former skipper Daly Cherry-Evans to the sidelines.

Before the game, there were no last-minute changes for Queensland. An injury to Kalyn Ponga meant that Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow took over as fullback, with Shibasaki stepping in at centre.

Valentine Holmes returned to the wing, and Papali'i played his first Origin match since 2022, boosting Queensland's forward pack. Reece Walsh was the 18th player for the Queenslanders.

For the Blues, they made no last-minute changes either. Winger Brian To'o played, while Jacob Kiraz was listed as the 18th player.

Payne Haas was cleared to play after receiving treatment for a back injury, while Nathan Cleary, Jarome Luai, and Hudson Young all passed their fitness tests. But Cleary did not kick goals during the match, a responsibility that fell to Zac Lomax.

The game started with the Blues looking strong, pushing forward early on. But a kick from Luai went too far, allowing Queensland to regain momentum.

The first points of the match came from Holmes, who scored a penalty goal after Stephen Crichton was penalised for a high tackle. The Maroons led 2-0.

Maroons captain Cameron Munster, speaking with Queensland legend and NineSports' Darren Lockyer, led the Sunshine State just days after personal tragedy. Photo/NRL

Moments later, Queensland capitalised on a penalty in Blues' territory, with Xavier Coates scoring the first try. A clever play involving debutant Shibasaki set Coates up perfectly, and Holmes converted, making it 8-0.

Meanwhile, Blues' forward Liam Martin appeared to be in pain and needed treatment for his hand.

In the 27th minute, Queensland extended their lead when Dearden scored following a clever play that caught the Blues off guard. Queensland led 14-0 after Holmes converted again.

The game continued to unfold with the crowd erupting as Spencer Leniu entered the field for the Blues. In the final minutes of the first half, Queensland scored again, with Harry Grant pushing through for a try. Holmes converted, bringing the score to 20-0 at halftime.

Queensland continued to show an impressive completion rate, successfully executing 22 of their 22 plays without errors. But the same couldn't be said of the Blues, as they made three errors in their 15 plays.

Xavier Coates scores the game's first try in the 18th minute. Photo/NRL

While Queensland looked strong, both teams were aware of the previous game, in which the Blues had mounted a comeback, so it was clear that the second half would be crucial.

Returning from the break, it was clear NSW were switched on, with Stefano Utoikamanu making a big run, charging into Reuben Cotter for the first carry. In the 45th minute, the Blues scored their first points, with Crichton crossing the line.

The Blues initiate an unsuccessful captain's challenge after Hudson Young is deemed to have knocked the ball on in the 63rd minute. Play is end-to-end and fairly even after that, but the Blues lose some momentum when the touch judge correctly calls a forward pass from Latrell Mitchell to To'o on the left.

With six minutes to go in the match, the Maroons launch a counter-attack and score another try, with Dearden being rewarded for his impressive defensive efforts. The halfback makes a run from dummy half and breaks through some tired defence to score. Holmes misses the conversion, and Queensland extend their lead to 24-6.

Blues' Payne Haas is stopped by the Queenland defence. Photo/NRL

The Maroons try a captain's challenge for obstruction, but it is unsuccessful, denying Holmes a try after his 60-metre run, with a minute of play left.

But the Blues had the last say in the match with To'o, who has been one of the best players for the Blues throughout the series, scoring in the 79th minute. Lomax converts, bringing the score to 24-12.

Queensland have won 25 series, while NSW have won 17. There have been two drawn series (1999 and 2002). On both occasions, Queensland retained the shield as the winner of the previous series.

Watch former Maroon Jacob Lillyman's full interview ahead of Game Three.