Queensland keep State of Origin series alive

RNZ News

18-06-2025

Kurt Capewell of the Maroons scores a try during the State of Origin game two in Perth, 2025.
Photo:
AAP / Photosport
Queensland kept the State of Origin series alive with a 26-24 win over New South Wales in game two in Perth.
With new halfback Tom Dearden and new skipper Cameron Munster calling the shots, Queensland shot out to a 26-6 half time lead.
It was a nightmare first half for the Blues, who won game one in Brisbane, as they produced numerous mistakes, ill discipline and an injury to Nathan Cleary.
The game was played in wet conditions, but New South Wales stormed back in the second half and will be blaming themselves that they were unable to secure the series.
Queensland were kept scoreless in the second half but had done enough with four tries, including one to the Warriors' Kurt Capewell in the first 40 minutes.
It is just the second time that New South Wales scored five tries in a State of Origin game and still lost.
Zac Lomax missed four shots at goal for the Blues.
The Blues opened the scoring through Brian To'o after just six minutes, but from then on New South Wales' ill-discipline gave the Maroons all the momentum.
Queensland scored four unanswered tries, with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow scoring a double, while player of the match Cameron Munster and Capewell also crossed for tries, and were helped by four conversions and a penalty goal from Valentine Holmes.
The Blues gave away eight penalties to nil in the first half.
In the two previous Origin games held in Perth, Queensland had failed to score a single point after half time.
Incredibly, that record continued in 2025 as the Blues mounted their furious fightback.
To'o scored two tries to complete his hat-trick either side of a display of monstrous power from Stephen Crichton that saw him also score and leave the Maroons stunned and grasping for answers.
Only Lomax's inability to score off the tee kept the Maroons's lead to more than a converted try.
Angus Crichton dotted down after Luai's perfect kick into the in-goal with six minutes remaining to set up a thrilling finale.
But the Maroons held on, with Payne Haas coughing up the ball to spark delirium in the Maroons ranks.
NSW backs Jarome Luai and Lomax were both reported for foul play.
Luai was charged with Grade 2 Contrary Conduct over a gouging incident on Maroons second-rower Reuben Cotter in the 22nd minute of the match and faces a fine worth 13 percent of his $30,000 match payment.
Lomax was charged with Grade 1 Dangerous Contact for lashing out at Maroons lock Trent Loiero in a 28th minute tackle with his forearm and faces a fine equating to 7 percent of his match payment.
The series decider is in Sydney on 9 July.