In a special bonus episode of 40/20, Michael Chammas comes to you with breaking news from the NRL.

The Newcastle Knights are in crisis as star fullback Kalyn Ponga's management is in talks with New Zealand Rugby Union teams about a sensational code switch, while Knights coach Adam O'Brien's time in Newcastle looks all but over at season's end.

Today, Nine Publishing's national head of sport Neil Breen and Sydney Morning Herald sports reporter Michael Chammas with all the developments.

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Well, in an almost perfect performance Queensland have ambushed New South Wales to claim the Origin series for 2025.

The decider will go down as one of the Maroons most empathic performances, defeating the Blues 24 points to 12 in Sydney.

The contest effectively over at half-time with Queensland leading 20 nill.

So how did Queensland turn it all around from Game 1?

And where did it all go wrong for New South Wales?

Today, Michael Chammas and Christian Nicolussi from The Sydney Morning Herald, break down the decider.

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Well no one saw this coming but State of Origin 2025 is one all, and we are off to a decider.

Queensland defied the odds after an emotional build up to game 2, holding on to defeat New South Wales in Perth… but only just.

So can the new Maroons captain, Cameron Munster, inspire his state again?

Or can the Blues finally deliver an 80 minute performance and lift the shield at home in Sydney?

With a raft of back line changes, an unlikely hero’s return and injury clouds swirling, Michael Chammas and Christian Nicolussi from The Sydney Morning Herald discuss the team line ups for the decider.

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In a gutsy under dog performance, fighting for their survival - Queensland have held on, defeating New South Wales in Perth by 26 points to 24 in State of Origin Game 2, sending the series to a decider in Sydney.

And one thing has never been more true, it’s that you can never write Queensland off.

So, who will win the series? Can the Maroons go one more and down the blues at home? Or will the Blues finally put all the pieces together and seal the deal?

Michael Chammas and Christian Nicolussi from The Sydney Morning Herald, in Perth break down the match.

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After heavy back-to-back defeats in Brisbane not seen since the ‘97 & ‘98 series, Billy Slater has swung his axe, sensationally dropping Queensland halfback and captain Daley Cherry-Evans for State of Origin Game 2. The Blues now have the Maroons on the ropes and are in a prime position to throw a knockout blow and claim the Origin series in Perth next Wednesday night. Michael Chammas and Christian Nicolussi discuss the new team line-ups ahead of next week's game.

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The 2025 State of Origin series is underway, with a huge crowd witnessing another Queensland defeat at Suncorp Stadium… the Blues downing the Maroons 18 points to 6.

Queensland have now lost four of their past five matches against New South Wales, as the Blues recorded back to back wins in Brisbane for the first time in 17 years.

So can Queensland bounce back? Will Billy Slater wield his axe for game 2? Or will the Blues seal the series in Perth?

Christian Nicolussi joins Michael Chammas to break it all down.

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Welcome to the first edition of 40/20, a new NRL podcast where we’ll be breaking down the biggest stories across the game, with the best journalists and NRL insiders from around the country.

It’s Monday, May 19 and the much anticipated State of Origin team lists for Game 1 have been locked in…with returning Blues coach Laurie Daley staying loyal as Billy Slater bloods three debutants for the Maroons…Michael Chammas and Christian Nicolussi discuss the New South Wales and Queensland line ups.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.