From 'Critta' to 'Big Papa', inside the property movements of State of Origin's stars
It's a showdown for the shield in Sydney.
The biggest rivalry in Australian sport continues when the decider - State of Origin game three - takes place on Wednesday night.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.But what about the Blues and Maroons players - are they making impressive plays away from the field and succeeding in the property market? We find out.
Zac Lomax
The NSW Blues winger has made some deft moves in the property world.
In 2018, the then rookie Lomax bought his first property, spending $650,000 on a two-bedroom apartment in Wollongong.
The first-floor apartment was located in the Stadia complex. It was later listed for rent at $650 per week.
However, CoreLogic records show Lomax sold the property in 2023 for $750,000.
In 2021, Lomax snapped up a new home at Shell Cove, setting a short-lived suburb record in the process.
Lomax bought the four-bedroom, three-bathroom home for $2.2 million.
Features of the home include double glazed windows and doors; polished concrete floors to living areas; in-ground pool with frameless pool fencing; and a home theatre.
The home also features a granny flat-style guest bedroom on the lower floor, with ensuite.
Lomax has retained ownership of the home since joining Parramatta.
Also, earlier this year a home formerly owned by Lomax in the Illawarra suburb of Mangerton was sold under the hammer.
The four-bedroom home, which sits on 569 square metres, changed hands for $1.37 million.
CoreLogic records show that in 2020, during his tenure at the St George Illawarra Dragons, Lomax bought the property for $890,000.
Less than 18 months later, he sold the home for $1.2 million.
Stephen Crichton
The leader of the Bulldogs has also been active in the property world.
In January 2023, as the Blues centre announced his departure from the Panthers, it was also revealed he had recently purchased a home in the Penrith area.
CoreLogic records show the five-bedroom Tregear home, which sits on 620 square metres in a "whisper quiet, much sought-after" street was sold in December 2022 for $848,500.
The home had been completely renovated, and Crichton reportedly bought the home for his parents and family.
Payne Haas
Last year, the NSW and Broncos enforcer bought a $3.55 million Bardon home.
The property is just several minutes' drive from Suncorp Stadium, the Broncos' home ground.
Sitting on 464 square metres, the home contains high-end appliances, a butler's pantry and an open plan across the ground floor from the kitchen and living zone into the alfresco space with a barbecue, pool and lawn area.
There are also five bedrooms, three bathrooms and multiple living rooms.
According to Cotality records, Haas also owns a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment in Indooroopilly.
The prop bought the property for $590,000 in 2019. It was most recently listed for rent in November 2024 for $760 per week.
"With open living spaces, soaring high ceilings, and large windows, the apartment is bathed in natural light and benefits from excellent ventilation, creating an expansive and airy atmosphere," the rental description stated.
Patrick Carrigan
In early 2024, the Queensland and Broncos forward bought a retro-style home in a popular Gold Coast beachside location.
Cotality records show Carrigan paid $1.61 million for a Burleigh Waters home.
"Presenting a charming fusion of retro coastal design complemented by a contemporary renovation, this timeless three-bedroom home is the perfect offering for families who love to entertain," the property's marketing states.
"Summer weekends are sorted with the sun-drenched in-ground swimming pool and plenty of lawn for the kids to play, while the allure of James Street and iconic Burleigh Beach are just a short five-minute cycle away."
The home also features a rear lounge which could be used as a gym.
In 2019, Carrigan bought a three-bedroom house for $640,000 in Holland Park West. Records indicate he still owns the home.
Josh Papali'i
In 2024, the veteran Canberra forward sold his Evatt property.
The property sold at auction for $1.0905 million. This was just short of the $1.1 million price guide.
"We want more bedrooms and we want to stay north-side," he told the Canberra Timesof the decision to sell.
"To be honest, I have never thought of looking at houses [in the south]. I've always been north-side and I am just used to the area."
Papali'i had bought the home in 2020 for $900,000. The four-bedroom house includes a swimming pool, cubby house, giant slide, sandpit and putting green. The front yard was also converted to a half basketball court.
The family was said to be renting after the sale while they considered their next move.
However, 'Big Papa', recalled to the Queensland team for the 2025 decider, hasn't ruled out signing with another NRL club for the 2026 season.
He's off-contract at the end of 2025 and has not received an extension offer from the Green Machine.
Originally published as From 'Critta' to 'Big Papa', inside the property movements of State of Origin's stars
