By Tom Decent
NSW’s hopes of defending the State of Origin shield have received a huge boost, with game two of next year’s series to be held in Perth, where the Blues have never lost, and game three in Sydney.
The NRL has released the full fixture lists for next year’s State of Origin series, with the growth of the women’s game highlighted by the scheduling of a match at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium for the first time.
The men’s State of Origin series will kick off at Suncorp Stadium where the Maroons will host the Blues on May 28.
NSW, who are yet to announce a coach to replace Michael Maguire, haven’t won a series opener in Brisbane since 2017.
However, the fixture that is likely to excite the Blues most is a game two clash on June 18 at Perth Stadium, given the team’s perfect record there.
Perth has hosted two men’s Origin fixtures, in 2019 and 2022, and the Blues won by 32 points on each occasion.
The Blues celebrate with the shield after this year’s series. Credit: Getty Images
Tom Trbojevic scored a hat-trick in the 2019 game to set up a series decider, while Nathan Cleary put on a masterclass by scoring 24 points in the last match held in Western Australia in 2022.
Game three next year will be at Accor Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park on July 9. The Blues recovered from a 38-10 game one defeat this year to clinch a memorable series win at Suncorp Stadium.
Meanwhile, there will again be three women’s Origin fixtures next year, at Suncorp Stadium (May 1), Allianz Stadium (May 15) and McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle (May 29). The first match will be staged as part of Magic Round in Brisbane. NSW Women are out to avoid three straight series defeats after losing this year’s decider 22-6.
2025 State of Origin
- Women’s State of Origin game one, Suncorp Stadium, Thursday, May 1
- Women’s State of Origin game two, Allianz Stadium, Thursday, May 15
- Men’s State of Origin game one, Suncorp Stadium, Wednesday, May 28
- Women’s State of Origin game three, McDonald Jones Stadium, Thursday, May 29
- Men’s State of Origin game two, Optus Stadium, Wednesday, June 18
- Under 19s State of Origin and under 19s Women’s State of Origin, Sunshine Coast Stadium, Thursday, June 19
- Men’s State of Origin game three, Accor Stadium, Wednesday, July 9
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo labelled State of Origin the “greatest rivalry in Australian sport”.
“The 2024 Ampol State of Origin Series was one for the ages,” Abdo said in a statement. “[They were] intense and exciting series for both the men and women plus a showcase of emerging young talent in the under 19s Origin matches.
“2024 was a landmark year for Women’s State of Origin, with record crowds and television audiences. It was a gripping contest to mark the first ever three-game series.
“The Under 19s matches have unearthed several NRL and NRLW stars, and we are seeing huge interest from players, player agents and talent scouts from clubs to see the next generation of Blues, Sky Blues and Maroons make their mark.”
The men’s and women’s Origin series will be shown on Channel Nine.
On Sunday, the NRL confirmed fixtures for the opening round of competition, with the Raiders, Warriors, Panthers and Sharks opening their seasons in Las Vegas. The Roosters and Broncos (March 6) will square off in the first match of the season on Australian soil.
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