Phil Gould Warns NSW Must Keep Composure Ahead of Origin Decider
It’s Origin time again, and the intensity is as fierce as ever. With the 2025 State of Origin decider just around the corner, there’s no shortage of drama, tension, and high-stakes football. NSW might be favourites on paper, but league legend Phil Gould has issued a pointed reminder: the Blues have a history of cracking under pressure.
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Speaking on Nine’s 100% Footy , Gould—arguably the most successful NSW coach in Origin history—backed the Blues to win comfortably next Wednesday night. But his confidence was laced with a warning: New South Wales teams have a long-standing reputation for becoming nervous and unraveling in big moments. And if Queensland senses even the slightest sign of that, they’ll pounce.
“Queensland play on that,” Gould said. “They know NSW have unravelled throughout history when pressure is applied. That’s the real battle for NSW—staying composed when it counts.”
The Blues are sticking solid, with coach Laurie Daley naming an unchanged 17 from the team that narrowly lost Game Two in Perth 26–24. At home, with a fired-up crowd behind them, the hope is that this stability and support will give them the edge they need.
But Queensland aren’t going quietly. Billy Slater, chasing his third Origin title in four years, has made some bold moves. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow steps in at fullback for the injured Kalyn Ponga, and veteran prop Josh Papali’i has been pulled out of retirement to add some muscle and experience. The real wildcard, though, is Gehamat Shibasaki—a journeyman now thrust into the spotlight as a starting centre.
Despite being underdogs yet again, the Maroons are brimming with that trademark resilience and belief. Queensland has built an entire Origin legacy on grit, self-belief, and last-minute heroics. As Gould pointed out, this isn’t about who has more talent—it’s about who holds their nerve when everything’s on the line.
So yes, the Blues have the tools to win. They’re at home, they’ve got the squad, and they’ve got momentum. But Origin doesn’t just test skill—it exposes nerves, heart, and composure. If Queensland can rattle them early, history tells us NSW can lose their grip.
As fans, we’re in for a massive showdown. No matter where your loyalties lie, one thing’s certain: this decider is going to be pure rugby league theatre.
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