A Huge Win On and Off the Field
What a night for Queensland rugby league. The Maroons’ commanding 24–12 win over New South Wales in the 2025 State of Origin decider wasn’t just a triumph on the field – it smashed streaming records across the country. Nearly 4 million Aussies tuned in to watch the clash, making it the year’s most-watched show and the biggest live-streamed event ever recorded in Australia, according to the Australian Financial Review.
The match drew an average national TV audience of 3.9 million viewers and peaked at 4.27 million. On 9Now, the game was streamed live by a record 733,000 people – the highest live-streamed event in Australian history. It beat out not just previous Origin games, but also major sports events like the Matildas’ 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-final and the AFL and NRL grand finals.
Dearden Delivers, Slater’s Gamble Pays Off
The Maroons absolutely dominated at Accor Stadium, racing to a stunning 20–0 lead by halftime. Coach Billy Slater made headlines before the match for dropping veteran halfback Daly Cherry-Evans in favour of 24-year-old Tom Dearden. That call proved inspired. Dearden delivered a breakout performance, scoring two tries and controlling the game with confidence. He was later awarded the Wally Lewis Medal for player of the series.
It was a coming-of-age moment for the young playmaker, who had already shown promise in earlier matches but cemented his place as Queensland’s next generation leader on the big stage.
Munster’s Moment: A Captain’s Courage
Perhaps the most emotional moment of the night came from Cameron Munster. Just days after the death of his father, the Queensland captain turned in a performance full of heart, grit and poise. After the final siren, a tearful Munster embraced Slater in a moment that summed up the spirit of Origin better than any scoreboard could.
As The Guardian put it, this was more than just a rugby league victory – it was a deeply personal and emotional win for Munster and the team around him.
A New Era of Sports Streaming
The numbers from this game also reflect a major shift in how Australians consume sport. As more people move away from free-to-air television towards digital platforms, events like Origin are increasingly being watched on-demand or live-streamed. Nine’s 9Now service is leading the charge, and this latest record confirms the platform’s growing dominance in sports coverage.
As reported by Nine, streaming is now a central part of the viewing experience – not just a backup for those without access to traditional broadcasts.
The Spirit of Queensland Lives On
This win adds another legendary chapter to Queensland’s Origin legacy. Faced with pressure, criticism, and emotional weight, the Maroons played with trademark resilience. Their performance reminded fans why Origin is one of the most gripping events on the Australian sporting calendar.
Years from now, we won’t just remember the scoreline. We’ll remember Munster’s strength, Dearden’s emergence, and a team that delivered when it mattered most – with the whole country watching.
