state of origin game 2 score: A Thrilling 26–24 Battle in Perth
Classic Rivalry Heats Up
state of origin game 2 score between Queensland Maroons and NSW Blues was nothing short of a modern classic. Held at Perth’s Optus Stadium in torrential rain before 57,000 fans, the match produced intense drama, shifting momentum, and heroics worthy of Origin legend.
This article explores the key moments—a dominant Queensland first half, NSW’s fiery comeback, and the decisive final minutes that set the series up for a grand finale in Sydney.
2. Score Summary: The Numbers Behind the Drama
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queensland Maroons | 26 | – | 0 | – | 26 |
| NSW Blues | 6 | – | 18 | – | 24 |
At the half-time break, Queensland enjoyed a commanding 26–6 lead. A late second-half blitz by NSW nearly rewrote history, but Queensland held firm. news.com
3. First Half: Maroons Dominate
The Maroons set the tone early:
- To’o opened the scoring for NSW at 6 minutes, but Queensland responded with four unanswered tries from Tabuai‑Fidow (x2), Munster, and Capewell. theguardian.com
- Valentine Holmes nailed 4/4 conversions plus a critical penalty goal, giving Queensland perfect goal-kicking control—NSW struggled, missing three from Zac Lomax. news.com.au
- NSW’s indiscipline saw them concede 10 vs. 2 penalties, reflected in the lopsided scoreboard. nrl.com
By half-time, the Maroons held a dominant lead—26–6—on the back of ruthless structure and clinical execution.
4. Second Half: Blues Roar Back
Facing a 20-point deficit, NSW showed remarkable resilience:
- Brian To’o charged to a hat-trick, finishing at 46′, 65′, and another just before full-time. His individual brilliance brought NSW within two points of history. rnz.co.
- Stephen Crichton added another with a powerful run that stunned Queensland’s defence. foxsports.com
- NSW claimed four consecutive tries in a frenzy of attack. nrl.com
Yet, missed conversions by Lomax and a final turnover by Payne Haas delivered Queensland a narrow escape. abc.ne
5. Key Individual Performances
Queensland:
- Cameron Munster (captain for the first time) earned Man of the Match, steering the game with calming control and pivotal defensive efforts. en.wikipedia.org
- Valentine Holmes delivered perfect kicking and composure under pressure. rnz.co
- Kurt Capewell & Tom Dearden impressed—Capewell for his work rate, Dearden stepping up as debutant 7. foxsports.com
NSW:
- Brian To’o was unstoppable, accumulating over 200 metres and a hat‑trick. nzherald.co
- Stephen Crichton delivered a brute force try, stamping his presence. abc.net.au
- Payne Haas was a destructive force but was marred by a crucial turnover late in the game.
6. Tactical Insights and Turning Points
- Queensland’s goal-kicking: Holmes’ flawless booting provided pivotal four-point penalties, turning pressure into points.
- NSW’s discipline issues: Early penalties seriously hampered their momentum and field position.
- Final moments pressure: Queensland’s defensive resolve—especially as NSW swung for glory—proved decisive; a turnover from Haas in the last 20 seconds triggered massive celebration. news.com
7. Series Implications: A Winner-Takes-All Showdown
The series now stands 1–1, setting the stage for a dramatic decider at Accor Stadium, Sydney on July 9. Queensland hopes to complete a defensive consolidation, while NSW aims to unlock their disciplined structure and finish the job on home turf.
Fans and experts widely believe the decider will hinge on discipline, goal-kicking, and who defines themselves on the Origin stage. foxsports.com
8. External Links & Further Reading
- In-depth highlights and match statistics on NRL.com.
- Match reports by ABC Sport and The Guardian for tactical breakdowns and player interviews.
- Player profiles for Munster, To’o, and Holmes via NRL.com and club sources.
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10. Conclusion
Game 2 of the 2025 State of Origin series delivered the extraordinary: a halftime blowout, an epic NSW comeback, and a nail-biting finish. Queensland’s perfect goal-kicking and resolute defence overcame NSW’s individual brilliance.
With the series tied and pride on the line, Game 3 in Sydney promises to be a titanic clash. Origin fever has reached fever pitch—who will seize the Shield?