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Match Report: State of Origin Game II - Perth

The Queensland Maroons have set up a showdown decider in Sydney after they held on for a heart-stopping 26-24 win over New South Wales in Game 2 of the 2025 State of Origin series at Optus Stadium in Perth.

After a dominant and confident first half that saw the Maroons storm to a 26-6 lead at the break, Billy Slater’s side looked to have the match in complete control.

Queensland opened with intensity, executing clean sets and making the Blues pay for every error.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow bagged a first-half double, while Cameron Munster and Kurt Capewell also crossed the line.

Valentine Holmes was clinical with the boot, landing all four conversions and a penalty goal.

At the break, Queensland had completed at 66 percent, out-tackled, out-ran, and out-disciplined their rivals, forcing the Blues into 10 first-half penalties and holding them to a single try.

But the second half flipped the script as New South Wales launched a furious comeback, led by Brian To’o who finished with a hat-trick and over 200 running metres.

Tries to Stephen Crichton and Xavier Coates added to the surge and suddenly Queensland’s 20-point cushion was reduced to a desperate two-point margin.

Zac Lomax’s way-ward goal-kicking (2 from 5 attempts) ultimately proved costly, as he missed crucial conversions that could have changed the outcome.

Queensland, for their part, failed to score a single point in the second half but where their attack dried up, their defensive grit took over.

Harry Grant was immense in the middle, playing the full 80 minutes and making 55 tackles.

Munster, captaining the side for the first time, showed leadership beyond flair with several key defensive efforts and a late turnover that helped steady the ship before being awarded Man of the Match.

Capewell’s physicality and game awareness were instrumental in the dying moments.

The final ten minutes were tense.

NSW camped themselves on Queensland’s line, hammering away with repeat sets, but the Maroons refused to break.

With the siren closing in, a last-ditch defensive stand preserved Queensland’s slender lead.

It was a classic Origin finish, brutal, unpredictable, and dripping with tension that was reminisce of Queensland's heroics 30 years ago in the memorable 1995 State of Origin series.

 After a commanding first half, Queensland were forced to dig deeper than ever in the second, but dig they did and now the series is tied at 1-1.

Game 3 will be held at Accor Stadium in Sydney on July 9, with all eyes on who can rise when it matters most.

Queensland 26

Tries: 

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (12’, 19’)

Cameron Munster (30’)

Kurt Capewell (36’)

Conversions:

Valentine Holmes (13’, 20’, 32’, 38’)

Penalty Goals:

Valentine Holmes (28’)

 

New South Wales 24

Tries:

Brian To’o (6’, 45’, 64’)

Stephen Crichton (56’)

Angus Crichton (71’)

Conversions:

Zac Lomax (8’, 73’)

Acknowledgement of Country

Queensland Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

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