State of Origin: Australia Watch

Queensland Maroons secured a famous State of Origin series victory against the odds in Sydney earlier today.

Billy Slater’s side overcame defeat in the opening Origin clash to win back-to-back matches and secure a 2-1 series victory.

Cowboys half back Tom Dearden led the Maroons’ charge and was deservedly awarded the Wally Lewis Medal as Player of the Series for his inspirational performances after being handed the number 7 shirt ahead of Game Two, replacing incumbent captain Daly Cherry-Evans.

Dearden, who made his Australia debut in last year’s Pacific Championships, lit up the Origin arena to put his name firmly in the hat to be the first choice Kangaroos half-back in the upcoming Ashes series.

Before a ball was kicked in the 2025 State of Origin, many would have assumed Nathan Cleary to be the starting Kangaroos half-back. But Dearden backed up his Man of the Match performance for the Aussies in the 2024 Pacific Championships Final to once ago show his class and ability in the representative arena.

As the debate around who will wear the Kangaroos number 7 shirt intensifies, Australia’s number 6 seems all but locked in. Queensland skipper Cameron Munster reminded everyone that he is built for big stage, leading his state to victory after being handed the captaincy in Game Two.

Munster’s Origin heroics are even more commendable knowing the Melbourne star decided to play in Game Three despite the tragic loss of his father just days before the 2025 Origin decider.

As the dust settles on a memorable Origin series, attention now turns to the Ashes. In just over three months, the very best of Australia will arrive on British shores for a historic three match test series against England.

Rivalries will be reignited when these two fierce rivals meet in an Ashes series for the first time in more than 20 years, starting at the iconic Wembley Stadium on Saturday 25 October. With the second and third test completely sold out, Wembley is the only place to watch the best players from Australia live and in the flesh.

Tickets for England's First Test against Australia are available from just £20 for adults and £10 for under 16's, and are available here.