State of Origin Game 1: Fans Reveal the Biggest Moments—and Why They Mattered

We all see the game a little differently. What one person sees as the turning point, another sees as just another play. In State of Origin, those perceptions are often shaped by allegiance—NSW or Queensland—but also by the emotion of the contest, the pressure of the moment, and memories of past heartbreaks.

Fans Have Your Say asked a simple but powerful question:
“What were the three biggest moments in Game 1 of the 2025 State of Origin series?”
Many fans have responded—and here’s how the votes are shaping up so far, along with a look at why each moment might have struck a chord.

   


🔥 Top Moments According to Fans (Live Results)

1. 21% – Jeremiah Nanai’s hit on Latrell Mitchell, leading to Xavier Coates’ try
This moment topped the list for a reason: it shifted momentum instantly. Nanai’s crunching tackle not only knocked the ball loose but also rattled the confidence of NSW. Within seconds, Queensland capitalised through Coates, reminding everyone how quickly Origin can swing. It wasn’t just a hit—it was a statement.

2. 18% – Zac Lomax’s opening try (9th minute) from Stephen Crichton’s pass
Fans love a dream start—and Lomax delivered just that. Crichton’s vision and precision created space, and Lomax did the rest, diving in to light up the stadium. It set the tone for NSW and gave Blues fans hope that this would be their night. The early try gave both teams—and their supporters—a taste of the pace and pressure to come.

3. 16% – Brian To’o’s sin-bin just before halftime
Origin is about big moments—and big consequences. To’o’s sin-binning didn’t just cost NSW a player for 10 minutes; it handed Queensland a golden opportunity just before the break. Even though the Maroons didn’t immediately score, fans clearly saw this as a turning point that could’ve changed the outcome. Sin-bins always grab attention—but in a tight game, they feel seismic.


   

⚡ Other Key Moments That Made the List

  • Dylan Edwards’ match-sealing try (13%) – A classy finish after Watson’s offload put the game beyond doubt for NSW.

  • Lomax’s second try (9%) – A team effort with crisp passing, confirming his breakout performance.

  • Crichton and co. driving Holmes into touch (7%) – A defensive highlight, showing NSW’s grit under pressure.

  • To’o’s first try (6%) – Sparked NSW’s 10–0 start, reinforcing Mitchell’s playmaking value.

  • Holmes’ penalty before halftime (3%) – A quiet moment that kept QLD in touch.

  • Cleary’s penalty goal (3%) – Early scoreboard pressure that built confidence.

  • Cleary’s conversion struggles (3%) – A small but significant factor that could’ve haunted NSW.

  • Holmes’ disallowed try (1%) – A “what-if” moment fans remember, even if it didn’t count.


🗳 Why Do Fans Choose These Moments?

These top picks share three ingredients: impact, emotion, and momentum.
Big tackles, match-turning decisions, and tries that either ignite or seal a contest stay with us. Fans aren’t just picking the most spectacular plays—they’re choosing moments that shifted the narrative of the match.


💬 So, What Do You Think?

Do you agree with the top three? Or do you have your own take on what changed the game?

Have your say!
Download the Fans Have Your Say app—it’s free on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
No typing, no trolls—just quick, clean clicks to show what mattered most to you.

Let your voice shape the conversation.