Rookie Blues coach faces baptism of fire as the NRL locks in State of Origin dates for 2025

The NSW Blues are yet to finalise who will coach next year but the new man faces a baptism of fire with the 2025 State of Origin series to begin at Suncorp Stadium.

A daunting trip to Suncorp Stadium is the prize for whoever is chosen to replace Michael Maguire as NSW coach, with the Blues to begin next year’s State of Origin series in enemy territory as they look to defend the shield.

After a famous win in the decider in Brisbane this year, the Blues must dig deeper than ever to win their first series opener since 2021.

And they’ll have to do it with a new coach who has yet to be appointed, with the NSWRL yet to decide on Maguire’s replacement after he took the Broncos job following his lone series in charge.

If the Blues can win in enemy territory on May 28 then history suggests the series could be over fairly quickly with game two at Perth’s Optus Stadium where they’ve won both matches by a combined score of 82-18.

The series will then finish at Accor Stadium in Sydney on July 9.

Mark your calendars 📅 The 2025 Ampol State Of Origin dates are locked in!#MadeForMorepic.twitter.com/rqM3zmxyNV

— NSWBlues (@NSWBlues) November 17, 2024

“The 2024 Ampol State of Origin Series was one for the ages. An intense and exciting series for both the men and women plus a showcase of emerging young talent in the Under 19s Origin matches,” NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said.

Suncorp Stadium will also host the first game of the women’s series on May 1, with the NRL confirming on Monday that the Thursday night clash will open the four-day Magic Round festival of footy.

All three matches will be played in May, with hopes of a record crowd for game two which will be played at Allianz Stadium in Sydney for the first time as the Sky Blues look to end Queensland’s recent run of dominance.

The Maroons will have to win two games in NSW if they want to defend their women’s State of Origin crown. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

“The greatest rivalry in Australian sport returns to Brisbane, Perth and Sydney for the men’s series and the Sunshine Coast for the first time for the exciting Under 19s matches.

“2024 was a landmark year for Ampol Women’s State of Origin, with record crowds and television audiences. It was a gripping contest to mark the first ever three-game series.”

State of Origin Schedule

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

Originally published as Rookie Blues coach faces baptism of fire as the NRL locks in State of Origin dates for 2025