Queensland has sent the 2025 State of Origin series to a decider after surviving a desperate Blues fightback in Perth.
The Maroons came out firing in the first half, going into the sheds up 26-6 largely thanks to new halves pairing Cameron Munster and Tom Dearden.
But all of that hard work in the first 40 minutes looked to almost come undone in the second half, with the Blues emerging a different side, running-in an impressive four tries.
It was the difference in kicking game of Queensland centre Valentine Holmes and NSW winger Zac Lomax that proved the difference in the end, with the Maroons holding on to win 26-24.
It’s the first time the Maroons have won at Optus Stadium in Perth, with the victory now taking the series to decider in Sydney on July 9.
“It was a heartstopper,” Queensland coach Billy Slater said in his post-game press conference.
“We didn’t help ourselves in the second half.
“There was a lot of courage, effort, spirit, the last 10 minutes to defend our tryline was a great effort.”
Slater had nothing but praise for his new number 7 Tom Dearden, who managed to handle the pressure of the role perfectly.
“You won’t get a negative word out of me on Cherry-Evans, it’s Tom’s time now and he didn’t surprise any of us in what he put out there tonight,” Slater said.
“I’m really proud of him. That’s the first time he’s worn the No.7 jersey for Queensland; I wouldn’t imagine it would be the last.”
It was a night to celebrate for new Maroons skipper Cameron Munster, who was named man of the match after leading his side to victory during what was his 20th Origin appearance.
Munster later revealed the side rallied for Slater, who had been under pressure all week due to comments made by former Blues star Aaron Woods.
“When we get jabs and blokes in the media having a go at our coach, we want to make up for it,” Munster said.
“We didn’t perform for him in Game One. I played with Bill, he was a champion player and coach.
“When someone jabs at him, it hurts, I love him and I want to do the best thing for Queensland.
“It’s up there with the great wins.
“It will be a harder task going to Sydney. We can’t be ambushed”.
