State of Origin 2025 decider will be ‘one for the record books’

A former Queensland player says nerves and electricity are circulating among the State of Origin players ahead of tonight's decider match in Sydney.

The third and final match between the Queensland Maroons and New South Wales (NSW) Blues kicks off at Accor Australia in Sydney from 10.05pm (New Zealand time).

Following a dominant 18-6 win in Game One, the Maroons stunned NSW in Game Two with a 26-25 comeback victory in Perth.

Speaking to Sanele Chadwick on Pacific Mornings, former Maroons prop Jacob Lillyman says the State of Origin does not “get any bigger” than a deciding match.

Lillyman played 14 Origin games, 188 matches for the New Zealand One Warriors, and now lives at Waiheke Island.

Fortunate enough to have been on the field many times, he says it is good to sit back and enjoy the spectacle.

“When you're playing, there's so much pressure, and it's such a massive stage with so many people watching,” Lillyman says.

“You really do feel that, but it also lifts you to another level, stepping up to the plate and getting the job done. They’re such big games, any Origin game, but especially these deciders.”

He adds players’ nerves and excitement levels will be at an all-time high.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow celebrates after scoring a try for Queensland during State of Origin game two. Photo/AAP/Dan Himbrechts/Photosport

“It doesn't get any bigger than an Origin decider - so much on the line, so much hype around it, especially over in Australia. There’ll be lots of feeling of electricity pulsating through them, gearing up for a massive game - it should be one for the record books.”

Lillyman highlights the return of veteran Josh Papali’i, also known as “Big Papa”, who is key to the Maroon’s chances.

He says Papali’i’s return is a major contributor to Queensland’s chances and one Lillyman’s very happy with. "Just knowing the guy and what he brings to the team…he'll be a massive addition and I can't wait to see him rip in.

“The first half of the second game was really good, but I think he'll bring another level of physicality there - having him and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui in the middle.”

Lillyman believes the middle battle is where the match will be won or lost, pointing to Queensland’s need to match NSW’s strength in that area.

He says Queensland must shut down attacking threats from the Blues centres, Stephen Crichton and Latrell Mitchell.

Watch Jacob Lillyman’s full interview below.

“If Queensland can do a job on the outside backs, coming out of their end, and also in a good ball, limiting the opportunities that Stephen Crichton and Latrell Mitchell get, that'll play a big part in helping get the victory.”

State of Origin fever is active across Aotearoa, despite the game being Australian-based, which was somewhat surprising for Lillyman when he first came to New Zealand.

He supports the idea of an Origin game taking place in Aotearoa. "The amount of support over here is sort of mind-blowing.

"With them wanting to grow the game…bringing it over here would be a spectacle. Now there's such a strong Pacific representation on both teams and it's awesome to see the support over on this side.”

Lillyman predicts tonight's game will be a tight match with a lot of physical clashes through the mid-point.

“Queensland by seven might be a good bet, but as long as we win by at least one point, we get to raise that shield at the end.”