England supporters could have a better idea of which stars Mal Meninga will be bringing over as part of his Kangaroos side tomorrow as New South Wales take on Queensland in Game One of the 2025 State of Origin.
State of Origin is a three-game series which pits the very best of the NRL against each other every season in representative Rugby League for their home state – New South Wales or Queensland.
And there could be even more riding on individual performances in 2025 with the Kangaroos set for their first Ashes Tour for over 20 years at the end of the season.
Both New South Wales and Queensland have named their squads for this colossal clash and there are a host of names to look out for with one eye on the Kangaroos squad come October.
SQUADS
New South Wales
1 Dylan Edwards 2 Brian To’o 3 Stephen Crichton 4 Latrell Mitchell 5 Zac Lomax 6 Mitchell Moses 7 Nathan Cleary 8 Mitchell Barnett 9 Reece Robson 10 Payne Haas 11 Liam Martin 12 Angus Chrichton 13 Isaah Yeo
14 Connor Watson 15 Spencer Leniu 16 Hudson Young 17 Max King
18 Campbell Graham 19 Stefano Utoikamanu 20 Haumole Olakau’atu
Queensland
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
ONES TO WATCH
Nathan Cleary
Nathan Cleary is widely regarded as the best rugby league player in the world. The 27-year-old is a four-time NRL Premiership winner and was part of the World Cup winning Australia side that lifted the trophy at Old Trafford in 2022.
Despite his glittering career for club and country, Cleary is yet to make as significant impact in Origin. After making a successful start to life as the New South Wales Blues halfback in 2018, Cleary’s Origin career has been hampered by setbacks and injury.
He is set to play in the Origin arena for the first time in almost two years after missing the 2024 series through injury. Expect the mercurial halfback to shine for the Blues on his return to the side this week – and expect him to be the front runner for the number 7 shirt for the Kangaroos at the end of the year.
Valentine Holmes
There’s just one player across both Origin squads who featured the last time that Australia faced England in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup - and that’s Queensland and St George Illawarra Dragons outside back Valentine Holmes. Holmes lit up the 2017 World Cup scoring a record 12 tries, including five in a Semi-Final victory over Fiji.
He is an Origin veteran and has won multiple series during a glittering career. He offers versatility across the back line and is comfortable on the wing, in the centres or at full back, as well as being an accomplished goal kicker.
Despite an embarrassment of riches in the Australian back line, Holmes offers invaluable experience and knows how to win big games. Is he a dark horse for Kangaroos selection at the end of the year?
Latrell Mitchell
A man who can change a game in seconds. Latrell Mitchell is tough, skilful, agile and made for the Origin arena. Whether in attack or defence, Mitchell makes his presence known – and Wednesday will be no different.
He is set to go head-to-head with Roosters youngster Robert Toia in Game One – a baptism of fire for the Queensland debutant and a chance for Mitchell to showcase his freakish talent.
After starring for the Kangaroos in the 2022 World Cup, Mitchell should be in the hat to return to the Northern Hemisphere for the Ashes series this Autumn.
Kalyn Ponga
Kalyn Ponga is back in the Queensland number one jersey after an injury-hit 2024 campaign restricted his representative opportunities. He featured briefly off the bench for the Maroons during their Game Three defeat but returns to the starting line up this year in place of Brisbane’s Reece Walsh.
Ponga is an enigmatic full back who won the coveted Dally M award in 2023. He is an elusive, highlight reel player who will be eager to cement his place as Queensland’s first choice number one.
Outside of his Origin antics, his representative opportunities have been limited and despite his rise to rugby league stardom, he is yet to feature for the Australian national team. But rest assured, he will be in Mal Meninga’s thoughts come the end of the year.
In less than five months time, England and Australia will reignite their fierce rivalry at the iconic Wembley Stadium for the opening test of the ABK Beer Rugby League Ashes series. With the second and third test officially SOLD OUT, Wembley is the only place you can watch this blockbuster international showdown. Secure your seat today with tickets starting from £30 for adults and £15 for U16’s.
