Queensland regained rugby league’s State of Origin shield with a 24–12 victory over New South Wales in the deciding match at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on 9 July. The result sealed the best-of-three series 2–1 and marked the Maroons’ first series-deciding win in Sydney in more than a decade. Halfback Tom Dearden crossed for two tries and was awarded both man-of-the-match honours and the Wally Lewis Medal for player of the series. Captain Cameron Munster led the side only days after the sudden death of his father, while coach Billy Slater collected his third Origin title in four campaigns. Official attendance was put at roughly 80,000, and the National Rugby League said the telecast was the most-watched Australian program of 2025. The Blues, who had opened the series with a win in Brisbane, faltered after holding a 1–0 lead and now have lost five of the past six Origin campaigns. Under-pressure coach Laurie Daley, whose record stands at one series win from six attempts, said he intends to return in 2026 despite mounting scrutiny. Post-match discussion also touched on officiating, with Dolphins forward Josh Kerr jokingly labelling referee Ashley Klein a “double agent”. The complaint did little to overshadow Queensland’s defensive dominance and Dearden’s breakout performance as the Maroons celebrated their 25th Origin triumph.