State of Origin 2025: Dates, Venues, and Early Predictions

State of Origin 2025: Dates, Venues, and Early Predictions

1. Introduction to the 2025 State of Origin Series
2. State of Origin 2025 Schedule and Venues
3. NSW Blues: New Coach, Familiar Faces for 2025
4. Queensland Maroons: Chasing Redemption in Origin 2025
5. Key Player Matchups to Watch
6. The Unique Magic of State of Origin
7. Early Predictions for the 2025 Series
8. Wrapping Up the State of Origin 2025 Outlook

The state of origin 2025 is already shaping up to be another blockbuster series between the fiercest rivals in Australian sport, the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons. Having followed this annual battle for supremacy for years, I can honestly say there’s nothing quite like it. The passion, the intensity, the sheer drama – it’s just different. This 2025 State of Origin series follows a thrilling 2024 campaign where the Blues claimed the shield in a memorable comeback. Can they defend their title, or will the Maroons, playing for redemption, assert their dominance once more? Let’s dive into what we know so far.

State of Origin 2025 Schedule and Venues

Planning your mid-week schedule around Origin night is practically a national pastime, isn’t it? The 2025 Ampol State of Origin series keeps tradition alive with three Wednesday night clashes across three different cities. Here’s the confirmed lineup for Origin 2025:

• Game 1: Wednesday, May 28th at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. Queensland gets the home advantage to kick off the series.
• Game 2: Wednesday, June 18th at Optus Stadium, Perth. The series heads west for a neutral territory showdown.
• Game 3: Wednesday, July 9th at Accor Stadium, Sydney. New South Wales hosts the potential decider.

Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, affectionately known as ‘The Cauldron’, is always a special place for Game 1. The atmosphere there is simply electric, and it gives the Maroons a real boost. Perth hosting Game 2 again at Optus Stadium is fantastic for fans in Western Australia, spreading the Origin fever further across the country. And finishing up at Accor Stadium in Sydney means the Blues will have their home crowd roaring them on if it all comes down to Game 3, just like it did in 2024.

Kick-off times are generally set for 8:05 pm Sydney time, though as any seasoned Origin viewer knows, the actual kick-off is usually a little later after all the pre-game festivities.

NSW Blues: New Coach, Familiar Faces for 2025

There’s been a significant change in the Blues camp for 2025, with Laurie Daley returning as head coach. Having led the Blues previously and secured a series win in 2014, Daley brings a wealth of experience back to the role. It’s a fascinating storyline – can he replicate past success?

Early team selections and reports suggest a mix of the tried and tested with some form players from the NRL season pushing for spots. Players like Nathan Cleary and Mitchell Moses are expected to feature prominently in the halves, a combination that offers a potent attacking threat. The forward pack is always a massive talking point for NSW. With the speed and intensity of modern Origin, Daley has mentioned the “conundrum” of balancing big, powerful middles with more mobile players. Key forwards like Payne Haas, Isaah Yeo, and Liam Martin are likely to be central to the Blues’ strategy.

The backline is another area packed with talent. The likes of Dylan Edwards at fullback, and centres such as Stephen Crichton and Latrell Mitchell, offer both finishing power and defensive steel. Latrell Mitchell, in particular, can be a game-changer when he’s on song. His form leading into Origin is always under the microscope, but his ability to create something out of nothing is undeniable.

The Blues took the shield back in 2024 after losing Game 1, showing impressive resilience under pressure. The challenge for them in 2025 will be to start stronger and maintain that winning momentum. It’s Laurie Daley’s chance to put his stamp back on this team.

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Queensland Maroons: Chasing Redemption in Origin 2025

After losing the shield on home soil in the 2024 decider, you can bet the Queensland Maroons will be burning for redemption in 2025. Coach Billy Slater is a Queensland legend, and while he’ll be disappointed with how 2024 finished, his tactical nous and ability to inspire the Maroons jersey are unquestioned.

The Maroons possess a core group of incredibly talented players who know how to win Origin. Daly Cherry-Evans continues to lead the side with his experience and leadership at halfback. Cameron Munster’s return is a huge boost; he missed the 2024 series due to injury, and his big-game ability is precisely what Queensland needs.

In the forwards, players like Patrick Carrigan, Reuben Cotter, and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui provide aggression and go-forward. They set the platform for the Maroons’ dynamic backs. Harry Grant is arguably the best hooker in the game and a constant threat around the ruck.

The Maroons’ backline is also packed with speed and flair, with Kalyn Ponga and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow capable of breaking a game open from anywhere on the field. There are always new faces emerging for Queensland, too, with youngsters pushing for selection based on NRL form. It’s part of the Maroons’ DNA to unearth those players who just seem built for Origin.

My personal feeling is that the Maroons, smarting from last year, will come out with incredible intensity in Game 1 at Suncorp. They’ll want to send a clear message. The big question for them is how they handle the pressure of needing to win back the shield and whether their key players can stay fit and firing.

Key Player Matchups to Watch

State of Origin is often decided by individual battles that ignite across the park. In the 2025 series, several key matchups could prove decisive:

• Halfbacks: Nathan Cleary/Mitchell Moses (NSW) vs Daly Cherry-Evans/Cameron Munster (QLD): This is the classic battle of the playmakers. Cleary and Moses bring different strengths for NSW, while Cherry-Evans’ control and Munster’s unpredictability make the Queensland halves a formidable pairing. Who can best manage the game and create opportunities under pressure?
• Fullbacks: Dylan Edwards (NSW) vs Kalyn Ponga (QLD): Two dynamic fullbacks who are crucial to their teams’ attack and defence. Edwards was outstanding in 2024, while Ponga’s return from injury makes him a massive threat. Their involvement, kick returns, and defensive reads will be vital.
• Middle Forwards: Payne Haas/Isaah Yeo (NSW) vs Patrick Carrigan/Reuben Cotter (QLD): The engine room. Winning the battle through the middle lays the foundation for everything else. Haas’s power, Yeo’s work rate, Carrigan’s leadership, and Cotter’s relentless energy – watching these titans collide is always a highlight.
• Centres: Latrell Mitchell (NSW) vs Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow/Robert Toia (QLD): If Latrell is picked at centre, his clash with Queensland’s outside backs, potentially including debutant Robert Toia, will be must-watch viewing. Tabuai-Fidow’s speed is lethal, and Latrell’s blend of power and skill creates defensive headaches.

These one-on-one duels, replicated across the field, are what makes Origin so compelling. Every tackle, every run, every kick matters.

The Unique Magic of State of Origin

What is it about State of Origin that captivates fans year after year? It’s more than just a game of rugby league; it’s a cultural phenomenon. It’s state vs state, mate vs mate, a rivalry steeped in history and folklore.

“It’s the highest intensity game of rugby league you’ll ever play.” – Countless Origin greats.

From the spine-tingling national anthem in front of a packed stadium to the last-ditch tackles and miracle tries, the Origin arena produces moments that become etched in sporting history. Players put their bodies on the line like nowhere else. The narrative of the series unfolds with each game, often featuring dramatic swings in momentum and unexpected heroes emerging. You see established superstars deliver under immense pressure, and new players announce themselves on the biggest stage. It’s the ultimate test of skill, resilience, and character.

As a fan watching from New Zealand, I’ve always been drawn to that raw passion. It’s a rivalry we admire and understand, even if we don’t have our own equivalent. The sheer pride the players show in representing their state is infectious.

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Early Predictions for the 2025 Series

Making definitive predictions for State of Origin 2025 is tough, especially with the season still unfolding and potential injuries looming. However, based on what we know and the historical trends, here are some early thoughts.

Game 1 at Suncorp is massive for Queensland. They’ll be desperate to avenge last year’s decider loss and harness that home crowd energy. Historically, winning Game 1 gives a significant advantage, though NSW proved in 2024 that it’s not insurmountable.

The neutral venue in Perth for Game 2 adds an interesting wrinkle. Both teams will travel, levelling the playing field somewhat. It could be a pivotal game, setting up a potential decider in Sydney.

Given Laurie Daley is new (again) to the coaching role for NSW, there might be a slight adjustment period, but the quality of players at his disposal is undeniable. Queensland has the benefit of stability with Billy Slater and a core group who have won together before.

Right now, I’d lean slightly towards Queensland to take Game 1 in Brisbane due to the home factor and their drive for redemption. The 2025 State of Origin series itself feels like it could be incredibly tight, possibly going down to the wire in Game 3. NSW has the talent to win anywhere, but Queensland’s experienced spine and Suncorp advantage make them formidable opponents. It wouldn’t surprise me at all to see the series split 1-1 heading into Sydney.

Ultimately, the series winner could well come down to injuries and which team’s key players can stay on the park and perform at their peak under the immense Origin pressure.

You can find the official NRL site here for the latest news and information.

For some insights and different perspectives on potential team lineups, check out Fox Sports Australia.

Wrapping Up the State of Origin 2025 Outlook

The anticipation for the state of origin 2025 is building, and rightfully so. With key coaching changes, the return of star players, and the timeless rivalry between New South Wales and Queensland, we’re set for another memorable series. From the crucial clashes in Brisbane and Perth to the potential decider in Sydney, every game will be packed with drama and elite rugby league. It’s the ultimate test, and for fans like me, scattered across the globe, it’s an event we simply can’t miss. The 2025 State of Origin series promises to deliver everything we expect and more from Australian sport’s greatest rivalry.