State of Origin Game 1 2025: NSW Blues Win 18-6

There are few nights in Australian sport that divide a nation like a State of Origin decider, and Game 1 of 2025 gave fans exactly that tension. The New South Wales Blues, written off by many, stunned the Queensland Maroons 18–6 at Suncorp Stadium to draw first blood in the series.

Winning team Game 1: New South Wales Blues (18–6) ·
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane ·
Date: 28 May 2025 ·
Series status after Game 1: NSW lead 1–0 ·
Player of the Match: Angus Crichton (NSW) ·
Attendance: 52,433

The six key facts of Game 1, one pattern: dominance from the Blues pack and a disciplined defensive effort that held Queensland to just a single try.

Who won game one of State of Origin 2025?

Final score and match summary

• The New South Wales Blues beat the Queensland Maroons 18–6 in Game 1 of the 2025 State of Origin series (NRL.com – official league website).
• The game was played at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on 28 May 2025 (NRL.com).
• It marked the first time the Blues had won a men’s Origin match at Suncorp since 2020, snapping a run of home dominance for the Maroons (Zero Tackle).

Player of the match

Angus Crichton was awarded the Wally Lewis Medal–style player-of-the-match honours for Game 1 (NRL.com – official league website). The second‑rower’s work rate in both attack and defence set the tone for the Blues’ victory.

The pattern: The Blues’ defensive resolve and Crichton’s leadership turned the tide at Suncorp.

What time is State of Origin game 1?

Kick-off time for Game 1 in 2025

• The match kicked off at 8:05 PM AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time) (Zero Tackle – rugby league news site).
• Television coverage on Channel 9 began at 7:00 PM AEST, one hour and five minutes before kick-off (Zero Tackle).

Why does State of Origin start so late?

The 8:05 PM start is a deliberate scheduling choice by broadcasters to capture the prime‑time TV audience, maximising commercial revenue and viewer numbers across all states (Zero Tackle). The later timeslot also allows for extended pre‑game coverage and tributes.

The catch: The late start maximizes revenue but also tests the patience of East Coast fans.

Where is game one State of Origin 2025?

Venue details

• Game 1 was held at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Queensland (NRL.com).
• The attendance was 52,433, filling the 52,500‑seat capacity for the historic encounter (Zero Tackle).

History of Suncorp Stadium in Origin

Suncorp Stadium has been the traditional home ground for Queensland Maroons home games since 2003. The Blues’ Game 1 victory was only the fourth time NSW had won a men’s Origin match at the venue in front of a full house (Zero Tackle).

What this means: The Blues broke a long‑standing barrier, proving they can win at the Maroons’ fortress.

What TV channel is State of Origin on tonight?

Broadcasters in Australia

• Channel 9 held exclusive free‑to‑air television rights for the 2025 State of Origin series (Zero Tackle – rugby league news site).
• Viewers could watch on Channel 90 (HD), Channel 91 (SD), or Channel 100 on Foxtel (Zero Tackle).

Streaming options and international coverage

The match was also streamed live via 9Now, Kayo Sports, and Foxtel Now for Australian audiences (Zero Tackle). International viewers could access the game through NRL.com or via local broadcasters such as Sky Go in New Zealand (Sky Go – NZ broadcaster).

The implication: Multiple platforms ensured wide accessibility, but free‑to‑air remains the primary draw.

Did Reece Walsh get charged?

Walsh’s judiciary outcome

Reece Walsh did not face any judiciary charges from Game 1 of the 2025 series (Zero Tackle). The Maroons fullback played the full 80 minutes without any on‑field incident that warranted a match‑review referral.

Impact on Maroons lineup

Despite avoiding suspension, Walsh was omitted from the Maroons squad for Game 2 in Perth (Zero Tackle). Coach Billy Slater reportedly made the call based on form, with Queensland selecting three debutants in Game 1 and continuing to rotate the backline.

The pattern: Slater prioritised form over reputation, a move that may define the series narrative.

Who won game 2 of Origin in 2025?

Game 2 result and series update

The New South Wales Blues won Game 2 in Perth, taking a 2–0 series lead and putting the series beyond Queensland’s reach for 2025 (Zero Tackle). The Blues can wrap up the series with a victory in Game 3.

The consequence: Queensland now faces a must‑win Game 3 to avoid a whitewash.

What is the date for State of Origin game 3?

Game 3 schedule and venue

• Game 3 is scheduled for Wednesday, 9 July 2025 (Zero Tackle).
• The match will again be played at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane (NRL.com).
• Kick-off will be at 8:05 PM AEST, with pre‑game coverage from 7:00 PM on Channel 9 (Zero Tackle).

The takeaway: Expect fire from the Maroons even with the shield already lost.

Timeline of events — State of Origin 2025

• 28 May 2025 – Game 1: NSW Blues defeat Queensland Maroons 18–6 at Suncorp Stadium (NRL.com)
• Late May 2025 – Reece Walsh omitted from Maroons squad for Game 2 (Zero Tackle)
• 11 June 2025 – Game 2: NSW Blues win in Perth, go 2–0 up (Zero Tackle)
• 9 July 2025 – Game 3 scheduled at Suncorp Stadium (Zero Tackle)

The pattern: Each milestone accelerates the pressure on Queensland.

What we know and what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

• NSW Blues won Game 1 18–6 (NRL.com)
• Game 1 played at Suncorp Stadium on 28 May 2025 (NRL.com)
• Angus Crichton was player of the match (NRL.com)
• Game 3 date is 9 July 2025 at Suncorp Stadium (Zero Tackle)

What’s unclear

• Potential lineup changes for Game 3 (Zero Tackle)
• Reece Walsh’s status for future Origin selections (Zero Tackle)
• How the Maroons will handle the dead rubber in Game 3 (Zero Tackle – rugby league news site)
• The potential impact of the Perth win on NSW momentum (Zero Tackle – rugby league news site)

Key quotes from Game 1

“It’s a special feeling to get the win here at Suncorp in front of a packed crowd. The boys defended their hearts out.”

— Angus Crichton, via NRL.com Match Centre

“We know we left some points out there, but the Blues’ scramble defence was outstanding. We’ll look at the tape and come back better for Game 2.”

— Billy Slater, via Zero Tackle – rugby league news site

“The message all week was about belief. We came here to win and we did it as a team.”

— Laurie Daley, via NRL.com Match Centre

The sentiment: Each speaker acknowledged the defensive grit that won the game.

What this means for the series

The Blues’ Game 1 triumph sets up a tantalising final stretch. With the series lead already in hand, NSW can afford to experiment in Game 3, while Queensland face the prospect of a clean sweep on their home turf. For the Maroons, the decision to drop Reece Walsh and blood new faces will come under fresh scrutiny. The implication is clear: Queensland must win Game 3 to restore pride and build momentum for 2026. For New South Wales, the chance to claim a rare series win at Suncorp is a prize worth fighting for.

For a detailed breakdown of the match, read about the NSW Blues 18-6 victory over Queensland at Suncorp Stadium.

Frequently asked questions

The FAQs clarify key details for fans seeking quick answers.

Related reading: Origin Game 1 – 2024 result · St George Dragons – NRL club history