State of Origin Drama: NSW’s Agonizing Near-Comeback, Queensland Captain’s NSFW Moment Seal Epic Game Two

Queensland Survive Blues Fightback in Origin Thriller as Munster Drops F-Bomb in Victory Speech
(Approx. 650 words)

Queensland 26 def. NSW 24
Optus Stadium, Perth — June 18, 2025

Cameron Munster led Queensland to a gritty victory. (Photo: Paul Kane/Getty)

X-Rated Moment in Victory Speech
Queensland skipper Cameron Munster invoked the spirit of the Maroons’ legendary 1995 “Nobodies” team in his post-match interview after a nail-biting 26-24 win, then dropped an F-bomb while praising embattled coach Billy Slater:

*“He loves Queensland, loves this group. We needed to turn up for our coach tonight… and we f**ing did.”

The victory levels the series 1-1, forcing a decider in Sydney on July 9.

NSW’s Historic Comeback Falls Short
Trailing 26-6 at halftime, the Blues staged a second-half resurgence reminiscent of their record 2014 comeback:

• Brian To’o (55’) and Angus Crichton (73’) scored tries, while Zac Lomax’s wayward kicking (2/5) proved costly.
• NSW dominated second-half stats: 58% possession, 1,212 run metres to Queensland’s 705.
• A disallowed Nathan Cleary try due to obstruction (63’) halted momentum.

Brian To’o sparked NSW’s comeback. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)

Heartbreaking Final Minutes
With 90 seconds left, Payne Haas knocked on at Queensland’s 10m line. NSW forced a last-ditch error, but Dylan Edwards fumbled the decisive play, sealing Queensland’s win.

First-Half Maroons Dominance
Queensland raced to a 20-6 lead through:

• A Cameron Munster masterclass (1 try, 143 run metres, line break).
• Exploiting NSW’s 58% completion rate and Ashley Klein’s lopsided 10-2 penalty count against the Blues.
• Harry Grant outplaying Api Koroisau with 42 tackles and a try assist.

Val Holmes perfect with the boot. (AAP Image/Richard Wainwright)

Controversy Overshadows Build-Up
The match followed days of drama after coach Billy Slater referenced late legend Paul Green’s 2022 suicide while defending himself against criticism. Slater apologized to Green’s widow pre-game, earning support from icons like Mal Meninga.

Key Stats

• Penalties: NSW 10-2 (1st half)
• Run Metres: Queensland 1,423 – NSW 1,339
• Tackle Breaks: Maroons 31 – Blues 16

Next Up: Game 3 at Accor Stadium, Sydney – July 9.

Fan Reactions

• “Munster’s passion IS Origin.” – @QldTrue
• “Lomax’s kicking cost us the series.” – @BluesFan99

60,000 fans braved Perth’s rain. (Photo: Paul Kane/Getty)

Halftime Turning Point
Down 20-6, NSW shifted tactics:

• Cleary (playing injured) handed kicking duties to Latrell Mitchell.
• Forward pack lifted, with Payne Haas making 197 metres.

Verdict
Queensland’s resilience under pressure kept their series hopes alive. NSW must regroup after squandering multiple chances. All eyes now shift to Sydney for an epic decider.

Final word to Munster: “Game three? We’ll be better.”