NSW Takes 1-0 Lead in State of Origin 2025

New South Wales players celebrate during State of Origin game one. Picture: Chris Hyde.

New South Wales has taken a big step towards retaining the state of origin shield, after a masterclass on both sides of the ball from Nathan Cleary and Mitchell Moses last night inspired a 18-6 win over the Queensland Maroons.

Cleary had a hand in all four of the Blues’ tries, while Moses was particularly impressive in defence.

On the flip side, the Maroons looked disjointed in attack, as experience duo Cameron Munster and Daly Cherry-Evans were upstaged.

It's the first time the Blues have won thee straight Origin games since the last two games of 2005 and the first game of 2006, and it was also the Blues' second straight win at Suncorp Stadium, where they hadn't won back to back games since 1998.

Payne Haas was announced man of the match after a tireless effort in the middle which saw the Blues front rower run 140 metres to go with three tackle busts, 29 tackles and no misses.

Zac Lomax was another standout for the Blues as a constant aerial target, finishing the game with 177 metres, four tackle busts and two tries while Isaiah Yeo had 126 metres and 26 tackles.

The Maroons will look to keep the series alive when Origin heads to Perth on June 18, although history is against them with the Blues having won both games out West historically, both by margins of 32 points.