Queensland delivered a heroic and clinical performance to defeat New South Wales 12-24 in Game Three of the State of Origin, sealing the series 2-1 in Sydney despite being heavy underdogs.
In a campaign marked by adversity, including the axing of Daly Cherry-Evans and the passing of captain Cameron Munster’s father days before the decider, the Maroons defied the odds. Coach Billy Slater’s bold selections—including debutant Gehamat Shibasaki and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow at fullback—paid off as Queensland built a commanding 20-0 halftime lead and held off a late Blues surge.
Tom Dearden was named Player of the Match and received the Wally Lewis Medal after scoring two tries and anchoring the Maroons’ eighth win in the last ten series deciders.
