BRISBANE: New South Wales took Game One of the 2025 State of Origin series with a performance built on grit and defensive steel, but the most ominous sign for Queensland is not the result, it’s the fact the Blues have another gear in them.
Laurie Daley’s men ground out a win in typical Origin fashion, but the conservative, power-focused approach mirrored his 2015 coaching stint rather than the attacking juggernaut this squad could become. The Maroons, already looking vulnerable, may not be able to keep up if NSW unleash their full arsenal in Game Two.
Daley’s defensive mindset holding back dynasty potential Daley’s game plan was effective but restrictive. Mitchell Moses was kept on a short leash, rarely given license to attack from deep or test Queensland’s scrambling defense. It was a throwback to Daley’s first tenure, when NSW lacked the weapons they possess now.
This isn’t 2015. This is a Blues squad stacked with game-breakers, facing a Queensland side devoid of cohesion and looking uncertain in key positions. If Daley loosens the reins and lets Moses and Nathan Cleary play what they see – particularly off quick play-the-balls and second-phase ball – Queensland could be in for a hiding.
Crichton and Mitchell: Defensive walls waiting to explode in attack Stephen Crichton was near-flawless defensively, his trademark hold-and-release technique suffocating Queensland’s edge. But his attacking brilliance was certainly underused. On the rare occasions he got early ball, he torched the Maroons with speed, footwork, and a perfectly timed pass for NSW’s first try.
Latrell Mitchell, meanwhile, was a human wrecking ball in defense. His first contact was brutal, forcing indecision and hesitation on Queensland’s right edge. Yet, like Crichton, he barely saw good ball. More early possession for these two could turn this series into a rout.
The missing piece: Terrell May’s offloading threat The Blues’ forwards laid a solid platform, but they lacked creativity. Starting props Mitchell Barnett and Max King failed to produce a single offload, while Payne Haas (three offloads) was the only forward consistently creating second-phase play.
Enter Terrell May. The NRL’s most efficient offloading prop was not selected for Game One, but his ability to keep plays alive could be the key to unlocking NSW’s attack. If Daley brings him in, Moses and Cleary will have more opportunities to attack unstructured defenses, feeding Crichton and Mitchell early, where they’re most dangerous.
Queensland’s problems run deep While NSW has clear areas for improvement, Queensland’s issues are more concerning. Their spine looked disjointed, their forward pack lacked punch, and their edge defense was repeatedly exposed. With key veterans nearing the end of their careers, the Maroons may struggle to lift for Game Two.
The verdict: Sweep in sight if Daley takes the handcuffs off NSW won limply in Game One, but the scary part is they did it while leaving points on the table. If Daley embraces a more expansive style ─ unleashing Moses, integrating May’s offloads, and feeding his elite centres early – this could be the first Blues series sweep since Wayne Pearce’s 2000 side.
Queensland is on the ropes. The question now is whether NSW will settle for a points decision or go for the knockout.
