State of Origin 2025 Game 1 live updates, score, NSW vs QLD start time, result, video, teams, news:

NSW got a massive boost on the eve of State of Origin I, with superstar centre Stephen Crichton passed fit for the series opener.

Crichton, who was battling a cork to his left thigh after a Monday training collision, was cleared on Tuesday night despite sitting out the Blues’ final training session. Gun prop Payne Haas (quad) is also ready to play for NSW.

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THE YEAR MAL ‘HUMILIATED’ LAURIE — AND THE ‘FILTHY’ COMEBACK

Laurie Daley is trying to improve a 1-4 series record as NSW coach in his second stint – and fellow former Blues Matthew Johns is wondering if he may turn it around against Queensland in a similar fashion to his playing career.

In both cases, the pain has largely been inflicted by ex-Canberra teammate Mal Meninga.

“That first series (Daley played) in 1989, bad memories,” Johns said on Matty and Cronk.

“He said, ‘It was terrible, I went in so naive not knowing what Origin was about… naively I went into that game believing Mal would take it easy on me’.

“He just completely humiliated Loz.”

So how did that change?

“The big rise with Laurie came when Phil Gould was coach. Gus recognised straight away that Laurie needed to be captain,” Johns said.

“When he made Laurie captain, they were playing a game at Lang Park, a big game … a tap on the dressing room, ‘Captains out, you’ve got to toss the coin’. Mal was the captain of Queensland.

“Gus grabbed him and said, ‘This is your time, go and hide in the toilet. Let Mal wait for you out there’.

“Laurie is hiding in the toilet as a power play, Mal is just standing there and made him wait five minutes before strolling out. It was a statement, Mal was filthy.

“That 1994 series, Laurie completely dominated.”

READ MORE

How NSW can pinch Cronk-JT blueprint; Slater’s trick shot threat — Origin Burning Questions

Series-opening debut to Origin oblivion: NSW and QLD’s unluckiest one-game players

Daley reacts to QLD ‘grub’ whack for Leniu; series looks to iconic overseas venues — Origin Daily

ALL EYES ON ALL-TIME MUNSTER

Meanwhile, all eyes are on Cameron Munster in Queensland camp, with the Storm champion the big hope for a home side with fellow playmakers Daly Cherry-Evans and Kalyn Ponga in indifferent form.

Maroons Immortal Wally Lewis laid the ultimate plaudit on Munster ahead of the opener at Suncorp Stadium.

“I’m a chronic Melbourne Storm supporter and have been for a number of years,” Lewis said, per CODE.

“Every time I got the chance to go down there I always used to drop around and see the Storm.

“He is as good as any footballer I’ve ever seen.

“For the Queenslanders to have him on side is a bonus.”

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