Origin III 2025: Can the Maroons Pull Off Another Miracle in Sydney?
As the clock ticks closer to 8:05pm AEST on Wednesday night, the tension in the rugby league world is reaching fever pitch. It’s Game 3 of the 2025 State of Origin series—the decider—and the stage is set at Sydney’s Accor Stadium. Queensland and New South Wales are tied 1-1 in the series, and everything comes down to this moment. This is more than a game. It’s a battle for legacy, pride, and state supremacy.
Queensland, written off after a shaky start to the series and lucky to scrape a 26-24 win in Perth, now face the daunting task of winning a decider in Sydney—a feat they haven’t achieved after losing Game 1 since 1982. But if there's one thing we know about the Maroons, it's that you can never count them out. They’ve built a history of proving doubters wrong. And once again, they’ve reached into their legendary bag of tricks by recalling veteran Josh Papalii. A true Origin warrior, Papalii’s return is as symbolic as it is strategic. Coach Billy Slater is hoping the 33-year-old's leadership and impact up front can reignite his forward pack, which was outplayed in the first two games.
Meanwhile, NSW come into the match unchanged and confident. On paper, they’re the stronger team, especially across the backline with explosive centres like Latrell Mitchell and Stephen Crichton. They’ve also got one of the game’s best organisers in Nathan Cleary, who is being called upon to finally own an Origin decider. Cleary will need to step up—especially with Queensland’s inspirational skipper Cameron Munster playing through personal grief after the sudden passing of his father just days before the match. If Munster manages to lead Queensland to victory under those emotional circumstances, his legend will be etched even deeper in Maroons folklore.
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The battle in the centres could be one of the decisive elements of the game. Queensland have handed a debut to Gehamat Shibasaki, while Robert Toia, still just 20, will go head-to-head with Latrell Mitchell once again. These are high-stakes gambles for Queensland, especially with dangerous attacking weapons like Brian To’o and Zac Lomax lurking on the edges for the Blues.
To’o’s fitness, however, remains a concern. He’s been carrying a knee issue, and while he’s been named to play, Bulldogs flyer Jacob Kiraz has been brought in as cover. A compromised To’o could shift the balance ever so slightly in Queensland’s favour—especially when you consider how important his hard yards out of trouble are to the Blues’ game plan.
In the backfield, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow—"The Hammer"—gets his shot at fullback. Without Kalyn Ponga or Reece Walsh available, this is his opportunity to shine in the No. 1 jersey. He’s got the speed and vision, but it remains to be seen if he can handle the full responsibilities of playmaking and last-line defence under Origin pressure.
Then there's the Cleary vs. Munster showdown. Two master playmakers, each with the game on their shoulders. Cleary is the technician, the strategist, the relentless kicker. Munster, the magician—capable of moments of brilliance that tear games open. One of them will rise above the moment and lead their team to victory.
Even the referee, Ashley Klein, is in the spotlight. Penalties and discipline have played a big role in this series, and his whistle could be the difference once again. Game 2’s lopsided penalty count put NSW on the back foot early, and they’ll need to clean up their act if they want to avoid a repeat.
This Origin decider will be brutal. It’ll be fast. It’ll be emotional. And most of all—it’ll be unforgettable. NSW should win. They’re at home, they’ve got the firepower, and history is on their side. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned over the decades—it’s never wise to bet against a Maroons miracle. Strap in. Because when that whistle blows, nothing else will matter.
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