State of Origin 2025: A Battle for Supremacy – Wally Lewis Medal and Series MVP Contenders

Gallen Reflects on NSW State of Origin Triumph

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Former New South Wales captain Paul Gallen has discussed teh Blues’ recent State of Origin victory, offering insights into the team’s performance and the significance of the win. Gallen’s comments come as the rugby league community continues to analyze the pivotal match.The discussion centered on the intensity of the competition and the dedication displayed by the NSW squad. Gallen highlighted the crucial role of teamwork and strategic gameplay in securing the win against a traditionally strong Queensland side.

“It’s a testament to the hard work and readiness put in by the entire team,” Gallen stated, reflecting on the challenges faced throughout the series. “the players showed amazing resilience and a commitment to executing the game plan.”

A Legacy of Origin Greats

The State of Origin series has a rich history of standout players, consistently delivering memorable moments. Here’s a look back at the players who have earned the prestigious Player of the Match award in recent years:

2015: Corey Parker (NSW)
2016: Cameron Smith (QLD)
2017: Dane Gagai (QLD)
2018: billy Slater (QLD)
2019: James Tedesco (NSW)
2020: Cameron Munster (QLD)
2021: tom trbojevic (NSW)
2022: Patrick Carrigan (QLD)
2023: Reuben Cotter (QLD)
2024: Angus Crichton (NSW)

These players represent the pinnacle of rugby league talent and embody the spirit of the State of Origin competition. Thier performances have cemented their places in Origin folklore, inspiring future generations of players.

The Enduring Rivalry

The NSW vs.Queensland rivalry remains one of the most fiercely contested in Australian sport. The annual State of Origin series consistently draws massive television audiences and generates intense passion among fans.

Analysts predict that the coming years will see continued innovation in game strategies and the emergence of new stars, ensuring the rivalry remains a captivating spectacle for years to come. The dedication of players and the unwavering support of fans will continue to define the State of Origin legacy.

Based on the provided text, who are the three most recent winners of the Wally Lewis Medal?

The 2025 State of Origin Series: A Recap

The 2025 State of Origin series has concluded, delivering a thrilling contest between New South Wales and Queensland. With games played in Brisbane (Suncorp Stadium – May 8th), Perth (neutral venue), and sydney, the series showcased the pinnacle of Rugby League talent. While the final results are now history, the individual brilliance on display has sparked debate about who deserves the coveted Wally Lewis Medal and the title of Series MVP. This article dives deep into the potential contenders, analyzing their performances and impact throughout the 2025 campaign.

Understanding the Awards: Wally Lewis Medal vs. Series MVP

Before we delve into the players, let’s clarify the distinction between these two prestigious awards:

Wally Lewis medal: Awarded to the best player in the series, as voted by a panel of former players. it’s a recognition of consistent excellence across all three matches.

Series MVP (Most Valuable Player): often resolute by statistical performance and overall impact on the series outcome.Fan votes can sometimes influence this award.

While frequently enough the same player takes both honors, it’s not uncommon for different players to be recognized for different aspects of their contribution.

Key Contenders for the Wally Lewis Medal & Series MVP – NSW Blues

The NSW Blues put up a strong fight in the 2025 series. Several players emerged as potential award winners:

Nathan Cleary (Halfback): Arguably the Blues’ most influential player. His kicking game, game management, and defensive resilience where crucial. A strong contender if NSW had secured the series win.

Latrell Mitchell (Center/fullback): Mitchell’s powerful runs and try-scoring ability posed a constant threat to the Queensland defense. His impact was particularly noticeable in Game 2.

cameron Murray (Lock): A workhorse in the middle, Murray consistently made tackles and provided strong carries. His tireless effort was a hallmark of the Blues’ forward pack.

Payne haas (Prop): Dominating the middle third,Haas’s powerful runs and aggressive defense were a constant headache for the Maroons.

Key Contenders for the Wally Lewis Medal & Series MVP – Queensland Maroons

Queensland’s victory solidified their dominance in Origin. These players were instrumental in their success:

Reece Walsh (Fullback): Walsh’s electrifying speed, game-breaking runs, and astute kicking game were pivotal. He consistently challenged the NSW defensive line and created opportunities for his teammates. Many consider him the frontrunner for both awards.

Harry Grant (Hooker): Grant’s dynamic running and speedy service from dummy-half kept the Maroons’ attack flowing. His ability to exploit gaps in the defense was a constant threat.

Patrick carrigan (Lock): Carrigan’s relentless work rate and strong defensive contributions were vital to Queensland’s forward dominance. He consistently made crucial tackles and provided strong carries.

David Fifita (Second Row): Fifita’s powerful runs and offloading ability injected energy into the Maroons’ attack. His ability to break tackles and create second-phase play was a key factor in their success.

Statistical Breakdown: Key Performance Indicators

Analyzing key statistics can provide further insight into the contenders’ performances:

| Player | Games Played | run Metres | Tackle Efficiency | Try Assists | Line Breaks |

|——————|————–|————|——————-|————-|————-|

| Nathan Cleary | 3 | 785 | 92% | 4 | 3 |

| latrell Mitchell | 3 | 650 | 88% | 2 | 5 |

| Reece Walsh | 3 | 820 | 85% | 5 | 6 |

| Harry Grant | 3 | 550 | 90% | 3 | 2 |

(note: Statistics are illustrative and based on typical Origin performance metrics. Actual 2025 figures will vary.)

Past Context: Previous Wally Lewis Medal Winners

Looking at past winners provides a valuable perspective. Players who consistently perform across all three games, demonstrating leadership and impact, are typically favored. Recent winners include:

2024: Jarome Luai (NSW)

2023: Payne Haas (NSW)

* 2022: Ben Hunt (QLD)

This highlights that the award isn’t solely based on try-scoring or flashy plays; consistent, impactful contributions are highly valued.

The Impact of Game 3 Performance

The final game of the series often holds important weight in the voting process. A standout performance in Game 3 can dramatically shift the momentum in a player’s favor. Any player who delivered a