PERTH, June 18, 2025 — Queensland have staged a stunning first-half resurgence in a must win Game II of the State of Origin series, racing to a commanding 26-6 lead over New South Wales at Optus Stadium in Perth.
Under immense pressure following their Game I defeat, the Maroons came out with renewed aggression and turned the contest around after a shaky opening few minutes.
The match kicked off in wet and slippery conditions, and NSW initially looked sharp, capitalizing on a captain’s challenge and a clever attacking sequence that led to Brian To’o scoring from an angled grubber by Jarome Luai.
Despite that strong start, Phil Gould remarked that the early lead may have “softened” the Blues rather than spurring them on, as Queensland responded with fierce determination. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow became the catalyst, bagging a brace of tries—one from a ground sprint and another in an aerial duel against To’o.
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The Blues’ discipline then crumbled, with Luai put on report for a facial on Reuben Cotter and Zac Lomax penalized for an elbow to Trent Loiero.
Queensland capitalized on the penalties, extending their lead with a Valentine Holmes goal before Harry Grant and Cameron Munster combined for a slick try to widen the margin.
A pivotal moment came in the 35th minute when Nathan Cleary seemingly powered over for a try, only for it to be overturned due to obstruction. The reversal proved costly, as Queensland capitalized immediately with Kurt Capewell diving over at the other end to close out a dominant first half.
With the series on the line, NSW now faces a monumental task to mount a second-half comeback and avoid a Queensland series-levelling win in hostile territory.
