QUEENSLAND MAROONS

Following last year's Origin series, Coach Billy Slater will be striving for a stronger performance from his lads; however, the challenge remains significant and it will require a concerted team effort. Slater has named three debutants in his team to tackle the Westpac NSW Blues in Game One of the 2025 Ampol State of Origin series on May 28 in Brisbane. Roosters centre Robert Toia, Titans back-rower Beau Fermor and Storm edge forward Trent Loiero have all been named in the squad for the Suncorp Stadum clash.

The Maroons will again be captained by Daly Cherry-Evans, who lines up in his 26th State of Origin match. The 36 year old veteran is set to become the oldest player in State of Origin history, captaining the side for the 5th straight series. DCE will partner Cameron Munster in the halves, while Munster's Storm teammate Harry Grant has been named at hooker after making a successful return from a hamstring injury against the Sharks.

Kalyn Ponga earned his No.1 jersey back for the Maroons after Reece Walsh's injury. The superstar Knights fullback played off the bench in Game III last year but hasn't started in his regular position since 2022. With both Cam Munster and Tom Dearden performing well for their clubs so far this season, coach Billy Slater has found a way to fit all three halves into his side for the opening game. Along with the star fullback from the Knights, they are the absolute key to a Maroons victory.

QUEENSLAND TEAM

1. Kalyn Ponga (Knights)

2. Xavier Coates (Storm)

3. Robert Toia (Roosters)

4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins)

5. Valentine Holmes (Dragons)

6. Cameron Munster (Storm)

7. Daly Cherry-Evans (c) (Sea Eagles)

8. Moeaki Fotuaika (Titans)

9. Harry Grant (Storm)

10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (Titans)

11. Reuben Cotter (Cowboys)

12. Jeremiah Nanai (Cowboys)

13. Patrick Carrigan (Broncos)

14. Tom Dearden (Cowboys)

15. Lindsay Collins (Roosters)

16. Beau Fermor (Titans)

17. Trent Loiero (Storm)

NEW SOUTH WALES BLUES

NSW coach Laurie Daley announced a new-look Blues team for Origin I, with Tom Trbojevic axed, Isaah Yeo the new skipper and Stephen Crichton also under an injury cloud. Daley has switched Mitchell Moses to the No.6 jersey with Nathan Cleary his partner in the halves, edging out incumbent pivot Jarome Luai. We anticipate a balanced approach to tactical kicking duties between both halves, with Daley proposing this as a refined strategic element rather than a default for one half that runs, and one who kicks.

Overall, Daley named a strong squad of 20 for Game I, with the omission of Terrell May and injury concerns to Payne Haas the main talking points. However, with Latrell Mitchell in blistering form and strong attacking outside backs, we are likely see a similar game plan to 2024. Mitch Barnett was brutal last year with the mobility of Angus Crichton and Liam Martin a major threat out wide.

Max King will bolster the foward interchange ranks coming off the bench, as will Hudson Young and the fiery Spencer Leniu for a short spell. On paper they do look the stronger proposition as a powerful offensive unit, but this is Origin and anything can happen when State pride is on the line.

NSW TEAM

1. Dylan Edwards (Panthers)

2. Brian To’o (Panthers)

3. Stephen Crichton (Bulldogs)

4. Latrell Mitchell (Rabbitohs)

5. Zac Lomax (Eels)

6. Mitchell Moses (Eels)

7. Nathan Cleary (Panthers)

8. Mitchell Barnett (Warriors)

9. Reece Robson (Cowboys)

10. Payne Haas (Broncos)

11. Liam Martin (Panthers)

12. Angus Crichton (Roosters)

13. Isaah Yeo (c) (Panthers)

14. Connor Watson (Roosters)

15. Spencer Leniu (Roosters)

16. Hudson Young (Raiders)

17. Max King (Bulldogs)

PREDICTION - Game I could turn out to be a tight tussle with both sets of forwards likely to lay the platform for the series by sorting each other out. If there's going to be a stoush, look for it in the first half here. The difference will be in the style each set of halves offers and how creatively they choose to proceed. Expect plenty of kicking to dominate the middle third of the pitch and force the opposition back inside their 20m zone. The game breaker may well be Latrell Mitchell who has used his big frame to full effect for the Rabbitohs in recent weeks and he has the ability to smash this game wide open. Nonetheless, we predict a close scoreline in this first encounter and no more than 6 points between the two sides at the final hooter.

BLUES - 1-12 Points margin

BLUES - 16 - 10 Scoreline

LIAM MARTIN - Anytime try scorer