State of Origin 2025: Queensland thrash New South Wales in deciding Game 3 to win rugby series

Queensland delivered an inspired performance to stun New South Wales 24-12 in Sydney and clinch the 2025 State of Origin series in front of a roaring crowd of 80,256. Playing for captain Cameron Munster just days after the passing of his father, the Maroons surged to a 20-0 halftime lead and never looked back.

The series saw dramatic momentum swings, with New South Wales dominating the opener in Brisbane, only for Queensland to bounce back with a thrilling 26-24 win at the neutral venue in Perth last month to force a decider.



Tom Dearden, who won the Wally Lewis Medal, was the hero of the game as he scored two tries helping Queensland lift the Origin shield for the 25th time and won their ninth decider in the last 11 series.


Despite being heavy favourites and having dominated much of the first two games, NSW were overpowered by Queensland’s fierce physicality and relentless defence.

Debutant Gehamat Shibasaki set up Xavier Coates for a try, while Harry Grant powered through a disjointed Blues line to cap off a flawless first half.


Although Stephen Crichton gave the Blues hope with a second-half try, Dearden’s second sealed the win.

It marked a tough start for returning Blues coach Laurie Daley, who was previously at the NSW from 2013-17, while Queensland’s unity and grit under Munster’s leadership stole the spotlight.

"We weren't good enough and at the end of the day we probably didn't react well to their defence," Blues star Nathan Cleary said.