The NSW Blues are heading into enemy territory with one clear objective — to silence the Queensland crowd and make a statement in the 2025 State of Origin opener at Suncorp Stadium. It’s a venue steeped in Maroon history, but the Blues aren’t intimidated. In fact, they’re ready to thrive in the cauldron.
Liam Martin Embraces the Boos
Blues enforcer Liam Martin is no stranger to Queensland’s infamous hostility. From his debut in Townsville in 2021 to battling it out at Suncorp just weeks later, Martin has quickly become public enemy number one north of the border. But rather than buckle under the pressure, he says the intense atmosphere fuels him.
"I’ve never found it intimidating. I’ve always thrived on it," Martin said ahead of Game One. "The hostile environment is incredible. There’s nothing like it — it’s pretty special running out to 50,000 people booing you."
Martin recalls his Origin debut as a defining moment, playing in front of a sea of Maroon fans with just a handful of Blues supporters in the stands. That experience lit a fire in him, and he hasn’t looked back since.
“From the first run on, I loved it. I’ve never shied away from the intensity. Now I think about how I can stamp my authority on the game. You’re never totally comfortable at Origin level, but I know what’s required and what I need to bring.”
A Chance at History in Brisbane
NSW have a rare opportunity this year — to claim back-to-back wins at Suncorp Stadium for the first time since 1997–98. It’s a feat the Blues have struggled to achieve, with Queensland winning six of the past eight games at their spiritual home.
But there’s confidence within the camp. Thirteen players from the side that clinched a dramatic Game Three win in Brisbane last year are back, and Max King is the only debutant in the squad.
This kind of stability is rare and crucial, especially in a series opener played in front of a hostile crowd. The Blues hope their experienced line-up will be the difference this time around.
A Veteran Line-Up With a Point to Prove
Returning coach Laurie Daley has selected a squad brimming with experience. Every player in the 17-man team has played over 100 NRL games — a first in Origin history for NSW. In total, the squad boasts 2,647 first-grade appearances, surpassing the previous record of 2,597 set back in Game One of 2014.
For context, the Maroons still hold the all-time record — 3,528 games in Game Three of the 2016 series — but this year’s Blues outfit is one of their most seasoned to date.
The last time NSW entered a series opener with just one debutant was in 1994, when David Barnhill was the sole rookie in a game remembered for Mark Coyne’s unforgettable last-minute try.
Daley believes the maturity of his squad will be key to handling the pressure of playing at Suncorp.
Injury Concerns Add Pre-Match Drama
The Blues’ preparation hit a snag this week when centre Stephen Crichton limped off the training paddock with a corked thigh during a closed session. While the team hoped to keep things under wraps, photos of Crichton hobbling quickly surfaced, causing a stir in camp.
Crichton will be given until game day to prove his fitness. If he fails to recover in time, Campbell Graham is expected to slot into the starting line-up.
While the leaked images left Blues officials frustrated, Daley wasn’t fazed.
"That’s part of Origin," he said. "You’ve got to roll with the punches and not let anything knock you off course. We’ve had challenges all week — weather, injuries, disruptions — but none of it changes our focus."
Spencer Leniu Now Wearing the Target
While Martin has long been the face Queensland fans love to hate, the spotlight has now shifted to fellow forward Spencer Leniu. His explosive performance in last year’s series decider earned him plenty of attention, and his recent run-in with Maroons legend Jonathan Thurston only added fuel to the fire.
But the Blues camp isn’t worried. They believe Leniu, like Martin, will thrive under pressure and channel the crowd’s hostility into power on the field.
NSW legend Mark Geyer agrees, saying the onus is on the entire forward pack to come out swinging.
Silencing the Suncorp Crowd is Key
According to Geyer, the key to winning at Suncorp is setting the tone early.
“They’ve got to start strong,” Geyer told NRL.com. “Playing at Suncorp is like giving Queensland a 6 to 8-point head start, just from the atmosphere. But we saw last year that it’s possible to break that aura.”
Geyer believes the intimidation factor isn’t what it used to be.
“Between the Broncos and the Dolphins, teams play there every other week. It’s not as foreign to the NSW players as it once was,” he said.
“But still, if Queensland get on a roll and the crowd gets going, it becomes deafening. It’s vital that the Blues forwards make a statement early. They’ve got to meet fire with fire and quiet the crowd.”
The Verdict: It’s Time to Back the Blues
As Game One approaches, the message from the Blues is clear — they’re not scared of Suncorp. They’re not backing down from the challenge. In fact, they’re ready to embrace it.
With a hardened, experienced squad and a hunger to rewrite history in Brisbane, NSW are positioning themselves for something special. They’ll need to be tough, they’ll need to be united, and they’ll need to keep the Queensland crowd out of the contest from the first whistle.
For fans south of the border, it’s shaping up to be a must-watch showdown. Can the Blues go back-to-back at Suncorp? One thing’s for sure — they won’t be going down without a fight.
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Mitchell
Mitchell is a seasoned Ph.D. scholar with extensive expertise gained through years of rigorous research, publication, and teaching experience. He brings a wealth of knowledge and analytical skills to tackle complex academic challenges. His work is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions, advancing knowledge, and promoting academic excellence. Proficient in research methodology, data analysis, and scholarly writing, Mitchell has contributed to peer-reviewed journals and mentored students to achieve academic success.
