🏉 State of Origin 2025: Game 1 Teams Revealed
The 2025 State of Origin series is here, and both New South Wales and Queensland have announced their teams for Game 1 at Suncorp Stadium on May 28. The selections have sparked debate, raised eyebrows, and triggered a few friendly arguments across pub tables.
🔵 Blues (Play it Safe)
NSW coach Laurie Daley has returned and played it mostly safe. Dylan Edwards keeps the fullback spot, with Latrell Mitchell back in the centres to bring his trademark power (and hopefully no sin bins). Mitchell Moses wins the battle for five-eighth, and Max King earns a well-deserved debut off the bench. Notable absences include Terrell May and Ryan Papenhuyzen, with the Blues backing experience over flair. The squad looks strong on paper, but with a few injury concerns, fans will be crossing their fingers.
🔴 Maroons (Roll the Dice)
Queensland, on the other hand, has been forced to mix things up thanks to a long injury list. Reece Walsh is out, so Kalyn Ponga steps in at fullback. Three players Robert Toia, Beau Fermor, and Trent Loiero, will make their Origin debuts. Veterans like Munster and Cherry-Evans will provide much-needed leadership, but it’s clear the Maroons are banking on fresh legs and that classic Queensland grit.
With a mix of loyalty and risk-taking on both sides, Game 1 is shaping up to be a beauty.
New South Wales Blues – Game 1 Team
Coach: Laurie Daley
- 1. Dylan Edwards
- 2. Brian To’o
- 3. Stephen Crichton
- 4. Latrell Mitchell
- 5. Zac Lomax
- 6. Mitch Moses
- 7. Nathan Cleary
- 8. Mitchell Barnett
- 9. Reece Robson
- 10. Payne Haas
- 11. Liam Martin
- 12. Angus Crichton
- 13. Isaah Yeo (c)
- 14. Connor Watson
- 15. Spencer Leniu
- 16. Hudson Young
- 17. Max King
- 18. Stefano Utoikamanu
- 20. Haumole Olakau’atu
Queensland Maroons – Game 1 Team
Coach: Billy Slater
- 1. Kalyn Ponga
- 2. Xavier Coates
- 3. Robert Toia
- 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
- 5. Valentine Holmes
- 6. Cameron Munster
- 7. Daly Cherry-Evans
- 8. Moeaki Fotuaika
- 9. Harry Grant
- 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
- 11. Reuben Cotter
- 12. Jeremiah Nanai
- 13. Patrick Carrigan
- 14. Tom Dearden
- 15. Lindsay Collins
- 16. Beau Fermor
- 17. Trent Loiero
- 18. Kurt Mann
- 19. Jesse Arthars
- 20. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
📅 Kick-Off: Date & Venue
Kick-off: 8:05 PM (AEST)
Game 1: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
