The state of origin game 3 score saw the Queensland Maroons secure a definitive 24–12 victory over the New South Wales Blues at Accor Stadium in Sydney on 9 July 2025. This win allowed Queensland to reclaim the State of Origin shield, marking their 25th series victory in the history of the competition. Despite entering the match as underdogs after losing the opening game of the series, Billy Slater’s squad delivered a near-flawless first half, going into the break with a 20–0 lead. Key performances from Tom Dearden, who scored two tries and was awarded the Wally Lewis Medal for player of the series, proved to be the difference in a high-stakes encounter.
Understanding the Final State of Origin Game 3 Score breakdown
The final state of origin game 3 score of 24–12 does not fully reflect the dominance Queensland exerted in the early stages of the match. The Maroons completed all 21 of their sets in the first half, a feat of discipline that effectively shut the Blues out of the contest before the halftime siren even sounded. Tries from Xavier Coates, Tom Dearden, and Harry Grant in the first 40 minutes left the Sydney crowd in stunned silence. While New South Wales attempted a spirited comeback in the second half through tries by Stephen Crichton and Brian To'o, Dearden’s second try in the 74th minute sealed the result and the series.
- Final Score: QLD Maroons 24 – 12 NSW Blues
- Halftime Score: QLD Maroons 20 – 0 NSW Blues
- Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
- Attendance: 80,256 spectators
- Player of the Match: Tom Dearden (QLD)
Final Score: QLD Maroons 24 – 12 NSW Blues
Halftime Score: QLD Maroons 20 – 0 NSW Blues
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Attendance: 80,256 spectators
Player of the Match: Tom Dearden (QLD)
Detailed Scoring Summary for Game 3
| Team | Tries | Conversions | Penalty Goals | Total |
| QLD Maroons | Coates, Dearden (2), Grant | Holmes (3/4) | Holmes (1/1) | 24 |
| NSW Blues | Crichton, To’o | Lomax (2/2) | N/A | 12 |
First Half Dominance by the Maroons
The foundation of the state of origin game 3 score was laid in an opening 40-minute blitz that saw Queensland play with a level of precision rarely seen in modern Origin history. Under the guidance of coach Billy Slater, the Maroons focused on a high-completion strategy, refusing to gift the Blues any easy field position. The first points came via a Valentine Holmes penalty goal in the 8th minute, followed by a spectacular try to Xavier Coates in the 18th minute. By the time Harry Grant burrowed over from dummy-half just before halftime, the lead had ballooned to 20 points, leaving the Blues with a mountain to climb in the second period.
Key First Half Statistics
- Set Completion: QLD 100% (21/21) in the first half.
- Possession: QLD held 62% of the ball in the opening 40 minutes.
- Metres Made: Maroons outgained the Blues by over 400 metres before the break.
- Missed Tackles: NSW recorded 18 missed tackles in the first half compared to QLD's 4.
Set Completion: QLD 100% (21/21) in the first half.
Possession: QLD held 62% of the ball in the opening 40 minutes.
Metres Made: Maroons outgained the Blues by over 400 metres before the break.
Missed Tackles: NSW recorded 18 missed tackles in the first half compared to QLD's 4.
The Blues Second Half Fightback Attempt
Returning for the second half, the New South Wales Blues looked like a different side, showing the desperation required to overturn the state of origin game 3 score. Led by Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary, the Blues finally found a crack in the Queensland wall when Stephen Crichton crossed the line in the 56th minute. For a 15-minute window, the momentum swung heavily toward the home side, fueled by a vocal Sydney crowd. However, despite the increased pressure, the Maroons' defense held firm under immense strain, frustrating the Blues' attack and preventing the consecutive scores needed to truly threaten the lead.
Match Momentum Shift
| Timeframe | Dominant Team | Primary Reason |
| 0′ – 40′ | QLD Maroons | 100% completion rate and tactical kicking |
| 41′ – 65′ | NSW Blues | Increased intensity and Crichton try |
| 66′ – 80′ | QLD Maroons | Dearden’s clinching try and defensive resilience |
Tom Dearden’s Heroic Performance
The standout individual contributor to the state of origin game 3 score was undoubtedly North Queensland Cowboys halfback Tom Dearden. Taking over the playmaker role following the controversial axing of Daly Cherry-Evans after Game 1, Dearden played with a maturity beyond his years. His first try in the 26th minute was a result of backing up a break, while his second in the 74th minute was a masterclass in reading the defensive line, as he stepped through multiple tired Blues defenders to ice the game. His efforts earned him both the Man of the Match and the prestigious Wally Lewis Medal.
- Tries Scored: 2
- Line Breaks: 3
- Try Assists: 1
- Tackle Busts: 5
- Total Run Metres: 115m
Tries Scored: 2
Line Breaks: 3
Try Assists: 1
Tackle Busts: 5
Total Run Metres: 115m
Impact of Coaching Decisions on the Result
Billy Slater’s tactical gamble was a major factor in the final state of origin game 3 score. Slater made the bold decision to move on from veteran Daly Cherry-Evans and bring in younger talent like Robert Toia and Gehamat Shibasaki for the decider. This injection of youth and speed allowed the Maroons to play a more expansive game that the Blues struggled to contain. On the other side, the Blues' coaching staff faced scrutiny for their inability to adapt to Queensland's rush defense, which effectively neutralized the impact of their star-studded backline for the majority of the match.
Cultural Significance in New Zealand
While State of Origin is an Australian interstate competition, the state of origin game 3 score is a major talking point across the Tasman. In New Zealand, the series has developed a massive following due to its high intensity and the presence of numerous NRL stars who are household names in Aotearoa. Many Kiwi fans feel a tribal connection to either the Blues or the Maroons, often rooted in the club teams their favorite players represent. The 2025 decider was no different, with sports bars from Auckland to Invercargill filled with supporters invested in the outcome. Read more in Wikipedia.
- Broadcast Reach: Live coverage on national TV has fueled interest since the 1990s.
- Player Links: Many Maroons and Blues stars play alongside Kiwis in the NRL.
- The Graham Lowe Effect: Historical involvement of NZ coaches like Graham Lowe in the series.
- Fan Rivalries: A "50-50" split of allegiances often exists within the NZ league community.
Broadcast Reach: Live coverage on national TV has fueled interest since the 1990s.
Player Links: Many Maroons and Blues stars play alongside Kiwis in the NRL.
The Graham Lowe Effect: Historical involvement of NZ coaches like Graham Lowe in the series.
Fan Rivalries: A "50-50" split of allegiances often exists within the NZ league community.
Historical Context of the 2025 Series
The 2025 series will be remembered as one of the great comeback stories in the history of the shield. After a lopsided loss in the first game, the Maroons were written off by many pundits. To win the series by claiming two victories away from Brisbane—one in Perth and the final decider in Sydney—is a feat rarely accomplished. This victory extends Queensland's overall series lead to 25 wins, compared to 17 for New South Wales, cementing the current era as another period of Maroon dominance in the ongoing rivalry.
State of Origin Series Wins (As of 2025)
| State | Total Series Wins | Most Recent Win |
| Queensland Maroons | 25 | 2025 |
| New South Wales Blues | 17 | 2024 |
| Drawn Series | 2 | 2002 |
Key Player Statistics and Match Data
Analyzing the state of origin game 3 score requires a look at the "engine room" statistics. While the tries grab the headlines, the work of the forwards allowed the playmakers to shine. Queensland’s Reuben Cotter and Patrick Carrigan were immense, consistently making metres after contact and putting the Blues on the back foot. For New South Wales, Payne Haas tried manfully to inspire his team with high work rates, but he lacked the necessary support from a forward pack that appeared fatigued by the relentless pace set by the Maroons in the first half.
- Top Tackler (QLD): Reuben Cotter (42 tackles)
- Top Metre Eater (NSW): Payne Haas (168 metres)
- Kicking Metres: Cameron Munster (345m)
- Errors: NSW 12, QLD 5
Top Tackler (QLD): Reuben Cotter (42 tackles)
Top Metre Eater (NSW): Payne Haas (168 metres)
Kicking Metres: Cameron Munster (345m)
Errors: NSW 12, QLD 5
Future Outlook for the 2026 Series
Following the final state of origin game 3 score, both teams will now look toward 2026 with different perspectives. Queensland has found a long-term successor to the halfback jersey in Tom Dearden, and their young roster suggests they could be entering another period of sustained success. New South Wales, conversely, faces a period of introspection. With several veteran players reaching the end of their representative careers, the Blues may need to follow Slater’s blueprint of blooding new talent to break the Maroons' current stranglehold on the State of Origin shield.
Predicted 2026 Key Players
| Position | Queensland Maroons | New South Wales Blues |
| Fullback | Reece Walsh | Dylan Edwards |
| Halfback | Tom Dearden | Nathan Cleary |
| Hooker | Harry Grant | Reece Robson |
Final Thoughts
The state of origin game 3 score of 24–12 serves as a testament to the resilience and tactical brilliance of the Queensland Maroons. By delivering a masterclass in Sydney, they proved that Origin is as much about mental fortitude and discipline as it is about raw talent. For fans in New Zealand and Australia alike, the 2025 decider provided everything that makes this series the pinnacle of rugby league: high drama, individual brilliance, and a fierce rivalry that continues to captivate millions. As the shield returns to Brisbane, the countdown to the 2026 series has already begun.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score for Game 3? The final score was 24–12 in favor of the Queensland Maroons.
Where was the third game of the 2025 series played? The match was held at Accor Stadium in Sydney, New South Wales.
Who was named the Man of the Match for Game 3? Queensland halfback Tom Dearden was awarded the Man of the Match honors.
Who won the Wally Lewis Medal in 2025? Tom Dearden won the Wally Lewis Medal for being the player of the series.
How many tries did Queensland score in the decider? Queensland scored four tries, including a double by Tom Dearden.
What was the score at halftime? Queensland led New South Wales 20–0 at the halftime break.
Which team won the 2025 State of Origin series? The Queensland Maroons won the series 2–1.
Who scored the tries for New South Wales? Stephen Crichton and Brian To'o were the try-scorers for the Blues.
How many people attended the Game 3 decider? The official attendance at Accor Stadium was 80,256.
Who is the current coach of the Queensland Maroons? Billy Slater is the head coach of the Queensland Maroons.
