Laurie Daley addressed the ongoing spygate controversy on the eve of the State of Origin series opener, following reports of key NSW Blues centre Stephen Crichton limping off during a training session. Despite Crichton’s early departure, there are optimistic predictions regarding his fitness for the match on Wednesday night.
However, the source of the footage raising concerns has sparked further discussion, particularly since media personnel were not allowed at NSW’s training. Daley, speaking to reporters during the captain’s run, acknowledged the situation and indicated that modifications might be necessary for the team’s preparation to prevent such leaks in the future. He expressed a desire for training sessions to remain private, although he refrained from dwelling on the matter until after the camp concluded.
As NSW prepares to face Queensland at Suncorp Stadium, upcoming match details have emerged for the 2025 State of Origin series. Game one is slated for 28 May, with game two on 18 June at Optus Stadium in Perth, followed by the third and final match on 9 July at Accor Stadium in Sydney. All matches will commence at 8:05 PM AEST, with fans able to watch them live exclusively on Nine and 9Now.
The squads have been announced, with the Queensland Maroons featuring players like Kalyn Ponga and Cameron Munster, while the NSW Blues line-up includes stars such as Nathan Cleary and Latrell Mitchell. Historically, Queensland leads the full series with 24 wins compared to NSW’s 17, and they have dominated in recent years, winning six out of the last ten series.
The coveted Wally Lewis Medal has been awarded to many rugby league legends since its inception in 2004, although NSW players have won it only six times, underscoring Queensland’s dominance. Past winners include notable figures like Cameron Smith and Billy Slater.
Players involved in the State of Origin matches earn about $30,000 per game, according to a report from The Sydney Morning Herald, reflecting a return to pre-pandemic compensation rates. The excitement leading up to Wednesday’s clash is palpable, with both supporters and the teams eager for the competition to unfold.