State of Origin in 2025 is going to be decided by the outcome of game 3 in Sydney. After being thoroughly beaten at home by NSW, Queensland have managed to turn the tables around and produced one of the most unlikely wins in Perth. With those two games now subject to history, all eyes turn to Sydney and the stage that will decide who comes away victorious. With so much on the line, here are the head to head match ups which could dictate the result of this years State of Origin.

Cameron Munster Vs Jarome Luai

The two five-eighths play such a crucial role for their respective teams both on the field, but also with their energy and mindset that positively influences their teammates. Munster produced one of the all time great captains performances in game two after taking on the additional leadership responsibilities. He lead from the front and was the catalyst that got the Queenslanders off to a flying start. But he was also just as vital in helping the side hang on and defend their line in the final minutes of the game as NSW threw everything at them. Jarome Luai needs to bring a same level of drive and energy to the Blues in order to bring the best out of the players around him. If Jarome Luai can get the better of the opposing captain then that will likely set NSW up for success.

Max King vs Josh Papalii

King and Papalii have both been the pillars of the two most dominant sides in the NRL this season. Whilst they are at opposite ends of the State of Origin careers, they will still play a huge role in deciding the outcome of game 3. We know what the likes of Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Patrick Carrigan, Payne Haas and Isaah Yeo bring to the origin arena, but it will be those additional big bodies through the middle that can make the difference. Both King and Papalii will be hoping to get through a heap of work defensively and assert themselves over the opposition. State of Origin is always a physical confrontation and there is no doubt that these two will be right in the thick of it.

Dylan Edwards vs Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

The two fullbacks are going to be vital for their teams success in game 3. Dylan Edwards will hope he can continue his very successful run of games at fullback with his consistent performances, competency under the highball and immense work rate hugely valuable to the way the Blues play their footy. Hamiso brings something different to the Maroons than Kalyn Ponga or Reece Walsh as he is a more damaging ball runner than he is playmaker. At fullback he is bound to get his hands on the ball more than when playing in the outside backs and those tired middle forwards for NSW will need to watch out for his supporting runs through the middle.

Xavier Coates vs Brian To’o

The two wingers are at the very top of the game dispite having vastly different play styles. Brian To’o has been topping the NRL for run metres and tackle breaks for the last few years with his work rate and boundless energy elevating him to elite status. Comparatively his opponent Xavier Coates is known for his athletic build and ability under the highball. It creates quite the stark comparison when these two go head to head to contest a kick. With points notoriously hard to come by in state of origin its going to be a key match up to see whether either player can shut down the others attacking threat.

Connor Watson vs Kurt Mann

The two utilities off the bench have been used in a fairly typical manner so far throughout the series. Both have been able to come off the bench in the second half and either cover dummy half or play a loose middle forward role that they are fairly comfortable with. But anything can happen in state of origin and either of these two players could be called upon to deliver in a more out of position role if either team receives a key injury early on in the contest. Neither side has a recognised back on their bench which means these two could be thrown in the deep end if needed. Whilst they are both more than capable of delivering when playing in their usual roles, it will be an interesting match up if either of them is asked to cover a position they are a bit less familiar with.