Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
State of Origin decider history is driving the New South Wales Blues as they prepare to face the Queensland Maroons at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night.
Only three New South Wales teams have won a series decider in Brisbane, with Laurie Daley’s squad drawing belief from the 2024 triumph under Michael Maguire.
The build-up comes as rugby league prepares for a huge year ahead, with the Rugby League World Cup 2026 countdown beginning as Seven prepares to broadcast the tournament.
Blues Chase Rare Suncorp Feeling
Nine players from the 2024 decider win remain in Daley’s squad, and the memory of that night still carries weight.
“I was definitely there celebrating with the boys, I think we all were, that was an awesome feeling,” Liam Martin said.
“We’ll do anything to sort of get that feeling again, and fingers crossed that’ll be us on Wednesday night.”
Jarome Luai and Mitchell Moses were central to that famous win, while Brian To’o, who has been left out by Daley this time, became part of the post-match folklore after boarding a plane in full playing kit.
“It was an unreal feeling as it is anytime that you win a series it’s a great feeling,” Moses told AAP.
“Two years ago we obviously clinched it up there and I’d love to have that again, and that’s the goal of this camp.”
Murray Wants Another Decider Win
Cameron Murray did not fully join the celebrations in 2024, believing he had to prepare for South Sydney duties.
“I thought I was backing up, and then when I woke up, I found out I was suspended for two games,” Murray said.
“I probably would have (gone out) if I knew I wasn’t going to be playing but I had to keep it low key last time.”
Murray is now chasing a third State of Origin decider win for New South Wales, a mark matched only by Brad Fittler.
“Suncorp is their spiritual home so they’re always up for it and with it being a decider is always a big occasion,” Murray said.
“We won our last two games at Suncorp so we’ve proven to ourselves that we can get the job done, so there’s no hoodoo for us, nothing in our heads, so hopefully we can go out there and play as well as we can.”
Official series information is available through NRL State of Origin.
