The Queensland Maroons have defied expectations and dramatically kept the 2025 State of Origin shield alive, securing a memorable 26-24 victory over the New South Wales Blues in a wet, wild, and often bizarre Game 2 in Perth. This thrilling triumph, which was uncertain until the final moments following a titanic Blues comeback, sends the series to a decider.

Despite being largely written off after their Game 1 defeat and facing criticism, a spirited Queensland side, under a rattled coach, produced a heroic defensive effort in the dying stages. This was capped off by new Maroons captain Cameron Munster and recalled backrower Kurt Capewell, who forced an error from Blues prop Payne Haas after repeat sets. The Blues' final set ended with an error from fullback Dylan Edwards, sealing one of Queensland's great Origin victories and sparking immense relief and celebration among the weary Maroons.

The match was largely won in the first half, as Queensland orchestrated a four-try blitz. Despite conceding the first points, the Maroons rolled through the heavily backed Blues, who appeared mentally absent from the kick-off. By half-time, NSW had conceded eight penalties, five errors, and two ruck infringements. The slippery, muddy conditions, resulting from steady rain, led to 28 handling errors overall, creating sharp momentum swings but also amplifying the desperation and physicality of the deeply entertaining contest.

Cameron Munster was deservedly named man of the match for his fearless and inspirational display, fully repaying coach Billy Slater's faith in naming him captain. Although the No. 6 acknowledged the team "shot ourselves in the foot in the second" after a strong first half, he expressed immense pride in keeping the series alive. Munster stated, "We had that mentality, like the 1995 ‘nobodies team’... and we just kept working and turning up for each other, and we ended up getting the chocolates." His performance included running for 129 meters and scoring a crucial try.

A significant factor in Queensland's success was the impactful debut of Tom Dearden in the No.7 jersey, replacing the axed Daly Cherry-Evans. Coach Billy Slater emphatically defended his controversial decision, stating, "It’s Tom’s time now." Dearden, who surprised none of his teammates with his performance, proved to be the future alongside Munster. The North Queensland Cowboys star's ability to run deep into the defensive line led to Kurt Capewell's try and the first for Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow. His pinpoint crossfield bomb also created Tabuai-Fidow's second try. Dearden ran for 64 meters and impressively made 25 tackles with no misses, announcing himself as Queensland's long-term halfback. The Dearden-Munster combination, playing their first match together in the halves, provided the dominant direction Queensland lacked in Game 1, leading to a 20-point advantage at the break.

Other key players also stepped up. Hooking Harry Grant, who had an indisciplined Game 1, played all 80 minutes and made 55 tackles, proving to be one of the Maroons' best. Kurt Capewell was inspirational, scoring a try and delivering bruising hits, including the crucial one on Payne Haas. Trent Loiero, shifted to lock, made 41 tackles. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow returned to his try-scoring ways with two crucial crossings. Debutant Kurt Mann off the bench contributed a try assist, and Moeaki Fotuaika set a palpable platform in his opening stint, overcoming a poor Game 1.

The Maroons' performance was deeply motivated by a desire to play for coach Billy Slater, who had faced intensified pressure after Game 1. Munster insisted that the team needed no galvanizing, as they were already determined to fight for their coach. "When you’ve got jabs or blokes in the media having a go at your coach, at the end of the day, he’s our coach, and he’s done everything he can to tick the boxes for us," Munster passionately stated, emphasizing his personal hurt from the criticism and his love for Slater's dedication to Queensland.

While the Blues' Game 1 victory was methodical, Queensland's triumph was sheer madness, encapsulated by their frantic efforts to keep the ball alive in the final minute of the first half, up 26-6. Despite some fortune, including an off-night from Blues kicker Zac Lomax (two-from-five), the Maroons' familiar spirit ensured State of Origin 2025 remains thrillingly alive for the impending decider in Sydney.