who won State of Origin 2025: Full Match Recap and Key Highlights

Who Won State of Origin 2025: Full Match Recap and Key Highlights

The highly anticipated 2025 State of Origin rugby league series kicked off with a dramatic encounter at Suncorp Stadium, where New South Wales Blues emerged victorious over Queensland Maroons with a decisive 18-6 win in the series opener.

New South Wales Claim First Blood

New South Wales started strong in hostile territory, immediately putting Queensland under pressure. The Blues were clinical both in attack and defense, securing a crucial road victory at Suncorp Stadium, a venue traditionally seen as Queensland’s fortress.

According to reports from The Guardian and NRL.com, the Blues’ win was characterized by determined defense, opportunistic attacking play, and smart tactical decision-making throughout the match.

First Half: Blues Set the Tempo

The opening exchanges were tense, with both teams trading hard tackles and testing each other’s defensive resolve. It was New South Wales who managed to break the deadlock first, capitalizing on a handling error from the Maroons to score the opening try. Queensland responded with a try of their own midway through the half, but New South Wales went into halftime with a slender lead thanks to a late penalty goal.

Key Moments and Highlights

– Connor Watson’s Game-Sealing Play: A pivotal moment came late in the match, as described by 9News, when New South Wales’ Connor Watson produced a desperate, game-sealing effort that resulted in a crucial try for the Blues. This play effectively put the game out of reach for the Maroons and was seen as a turning point in the contest.

– Queensland’s Missed Opportunities: The Maroons were left lamenting what the ABC described as “‘dumb footy’,” with errors and poor decisions stalling their attacking momentum at critical stages. Despite strong home support, Queensland struggled to convert field position into points, with the Blues’ defense holding firm under pressure.

– Blues’ Desperation in Defense: Defensive desperation was a recurring theme in New South Wales’ performance. The Blues repelled repeated Queensland attacks close to their line, preventing potential tries and ensuring the scoreboard remained in their favor.

Second Half: NSW Hold Firm

In the second half, Queensland tried to mount a comeback, enjoying multiple attacking sets inside the Blues’ half. However, errors and a robust New South Wales defense stifled the Maroons’ attempts. The Blues exploited Queensland’s fatigue and discipline lapses, adding further points through both a well-worked team try and a penalty.

As the clock wound down, New South Wales managed possession and territory wisely, maintaining composure to secure a famous Origin win on the road.

Full Time: New South Wales 18, Queensland 6

The match ended with New South Wales ahead 18-6, giving them a crucial 1-0 lead in the 2025 State of Origin series. This result gives the Blues the early momentum heading into Game II.

Looking Ahead

Queensland will now look to regroup before the second match of the series, needing a win to keep their hopes of reclaiming the Origin shield alive. New South Wales, meanwhile, will be buoyed by their dominant display in enemy territory and aim to wrap up the series in Game II.

For a full match replay and extended highlights, visit NRL.com.

—

Key Takeaways:

– Winner: New South Wales Blues, 18-6 over Queensland Maroons in Game I.
– Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.
– Highlight: Connor Watson’s desperation try sealed the result.
– Significance: NSW lead the 2025 State of Origin series 1-0.