Queensland Legend Paul Vautin Blasts Maroons for ‘Soft’ Origin I Display, While Injury Forces Blues Lineup Change Ahead of Game II
Queensland rugby league icon Paul Vautin has come out swinging with fierce criticism of the Maroons following their lackluster effort in Game I of the 2025 State of Origin series. Speaking candidly on ABC, Vautin described Queensland’s performance as “soft” and devoid of the physical aggression traditionally associated with Origin football.
For the first time in over three decades, the former Maroons player and coach watched an Origin game from his lounge room rather than as part of the Channel Nine commentary team. He did not enjoy what he saw.
“It was the first time in 34 years I’ve watched an Origin from home and honestly, I didn’t like it,” Vautin admitted. “I was yelling and screaming at the TV because not one New South Wales player finished the night with a bruise. Not one! That tells you everything.”
Vautin, revered in Queensland for his passion and tough approach to the game, emphasized that Origin is all about physicality. While he clarified that he wasn’t advocating violence or foul play, he was adamant that the Maroons failed to meet the aggressive intensity the contest demands.
“It’s not about fighting or throwing punches,” he said. “It’s about getting stuck in, about playing tough. That wasn’t there from our forwards. They didn’t take it to New South Wales, and that’s exactly why we got beaten.”
In the aftermath of the Game I loss, coach Billy Slater has rung in some changes to the Maroons squad ahead of Game II. One notable omission was veteran captain Daly Cherry-Evans. While Vautin was sympathetic to Cherry-Evans’ exclusion, he ultimately supported Slater’s judgment.
“I really feel for Daly,” Vautin said. “He didn’t play poorly—he was a solid seven out of ten, and he’s always around that mark. But with no momentum from the forwards, there wasn’t much he could do.”
Despite his disappointment in the Game I effort, Vautin expressed admiration for Slater’s decision to bring in North Queensland’s Tom Dearden at halfback. He praised Dearden’s attacking mindset and energy.
“Some halfbacks get the ball and just stand there,” Vautin explained. “But Dearden’s always running forward. That creates energy—when he goes, the rest of the backline moves with him. It’s infectious. I like that about him. He’s a great addition.”
Vautin also directed criticism at the overall style and officiating of the match, saying the contest has begun to lose its trademark toughness and spectacle. In his view, Game I felt more like a routine club match rather than the intense showdown fans expect from State of Origin.
“Origin is losing its edge. It used to be a war, a real battle. Now, it’s starting to feel like an overpriced club game,” Vautin said. “If the referees would just let the game breathe and stop intervening so much, it’d be a much better contest.”
As Queensland prepares for redemption in Game II, New South Wales has been forced to make a late squad change due to injury. South Sydney forward Keaon Koloamatangi has been ruled out after suffering a suspected fractured eye socket during his club’s defeat to the Bulldogs. The injury, believed to have occurred from a collision with Viliame Kikau’s forearm in the 70th minute, is expected to sideline him for three to five weeks.
Koloamatangi had been set to fly to Perth to join the Blues camp ahead of the second match of the series. However, with his withdrawal, Bulldogs young gun Jacob Preston has been called up to replace him and will serve as the squad’s 19th man. Meanwhile, Panthers prop Lindsay Smith remains with the squad in Perth as the 20th man.
Adding a unique twist to their preparations, the Blues have also formed partnerships with two local professional teams during their time in Western Australia: the Western Force (Super Rugby) and the West Coast Eagles (AFL). Reports indicate the Force will allow some of their players to participate in a scrimmage against the NSW squad in an effort to sharpen their physical edge.
The Blues will also participate in a symbolic jersey swap with the Eagles. NSW captain Isaah Yeo is expected to exchange jerseys with West Coast midfielder Elliot Yeo. Despite their shared surname, the two sports stars are not related.
NSW coach Laurie Daley had hoped to use the West Coast Eagles’ gym facilities during the team’s stay, but the space was already being used by the club’s AFLW team. Nonetheless, the collaboration between codes highlights a growing camaraderie and mutual support among Australia’s elite sporting teams.
Game II is scheduled for June 18th at 8:05 p.m. AEST. As both squads complete their final preparations, all eyes are on Queensland to see how they respond to the stinging criticism and whether the Blues can keep their foot on the pedal. With the Maroons under pressure to show more aggression and heart, and New South Wales adjusting to late roster changes, the stage is set for an intense, must-win encounter for both sides.
More NRL stories from around the grounds continue to generate headlines as well. Wayne Bennett offered a blunt assessment after his team’s rough start to the season, declaring “didn’t go” in reference to a horror team performance that left players arriving to empty sheds. The Bulldogs managed to hold off a fast-finishing Rabbitohs outfit in a game marred by a bizarre 29-minute lightning delay. Meanwhile, veteran halfback Adam Reynolds rejected a move back to Sydney in favor of staying with Brisbane, provided the club met a key condition. At the Dragons, coach Shane Flanagan has been given a stark message—either his son Kyle performs, or questions will keep surfacing about favoritism and team selection.
With tensions rising and both Origin squads feeling the pressure, Game II promises to be a turning point in the 2025 series. For Queensland, it’s about pride. For New South Wales, it’s a chance to seal the series. And for fans, it could be the bruising, high-stakes battle that Vautin—and many others—are hoping to see.
