All the Info You Need to Prepare for State of Origin 2025

Meta-description: The greatest rivalry in Australian sport is about to kick off once more with the 2025 State of Origin series. Here is everything you need to know about it.

The Blues and Maroons are set to rip in for another three epic battles that’ll have pubs packed and living rooms across the country erupting with either cheers or groans – depending on which side of the border you call home.

NSW finally wrestled back bragging rights in 2024 with a gutsy 2-1 series win, snapping Queensland’s recent dominance. But if history is anything to go by, the Maroons won’t take that lying down. 

For those marking their calendars, Game 1 kicks off at the cauldron, Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, on Wednesday, May 28th. The bookies have Queensland as a slight favourite on home turf, but only because it shows how tight this contest is expected to be.

Game 2 heads west to Perth’s Optus Stadium on Wednesday, June 18th, bringing Origin fever to the neutral territory of Western Australia. The series wraps up with Game 3 at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on Wednesday, July 9th, which could very well be the decider if the opening matches are split.

The State of Origin 2025 coaching squad

There’s been a significant coaching shake-up for the Blues, with Laurie Daley returning for his second stint at the helm following Michael Maguire’s departure to take over the Brisbane Broncos. Daley’s previous tenure (2013-2017) yielded just one series victory.

Queensland keeps the steady hand of Billy Slater, who’s already guided the Maroons to glory in 2022 and 2023 before last year’s setback. The Origin legend knows what it takes to win in the maroon jersey and will be desperate to reclaim supremacy.

While squads haven’t been completely finalised, we can expect to see the usual suspects turning out. James Tedesco will likely captain the Blues, supported by the likes of Nathan Cleary, Latrell Mitchell and the Trbojevic brothers. For Queensland, skipper Daly Cherry-Evans should lead a star-studded lineup featuring Reece Walsh, Cameron Munster and others.

Origin eligibility rules under the microscope

The sacred State of Origin selection rules are facing a potential shake-up that could shake up rugby league’s showpiece event. The ARL Commission has confirmed it will review the contentious eligibility criteria that has underpinned the interstate rivalry for decades – specifically examining whether players representing Tier 1 nations like England and New Zealand should be permitted to pull on a Maroons or Blues jersey.

This discussion has erupted after several high-profile players expressed interest in representing their ancestral nations while continuing their Origin careers. Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga has voiced his desire to honour his Maori heritage by playing for New Zealand while still donning the maroon of Queensland. Similarly, Titans fullback AJ Brimson is eyeing the possibility of representing England internationally.

The ARL Commission chairman, Peter V’landys said they would certainly have a look at everything at the end of the year as part of an annual review. However, this is a polarising topic as some people take the ‘It’s not broken, so don’t touch it,’ approach, whereas others are making good points about how we can make it better for both Origin and international rugby league.

The current rules stipulate that players who represent Tier 1 nations (Australia, New Zealand and England) cannot participate in Origin. Meanwhile, those who play for Tier 2 nations such as Tonga, Samoa and Papua New Guinea remain eligible, provided they qualified for NSW or Queensland by playing junior footy in those states before age 13.

This creates an interesting dilemma for Pacific Island-heritage players in particular, who often face the tough choice between representing their ancestral homeland or chasing Origin glory.

Rugby league legend Cooper Cronk has warned against making hasty changes, emphasising the importance of preserving Origin’s unique DNA. He claims this isn’t a romantic or a commercial decision, stating that the game is built on rivalry and the care factor. Cronk says that if you play for Queensland or New South Wales, your next step is to play for Australia.

Immortal Mal Meninga raised longer-term concerns about the international game, suggesting: “If I’m forecasting what will happen in ten years’ time, the Pacific nations could be so strong that we may struggle to get an Australian team out of Origin if they continue that on.” The debate touches on fundamental questions about Origin’s identity. Was it designed specifically as an Australia-only selection trial, or is it simply the pinnacle contest between Queensland and New South Wales, regardless of international allegiance?

Any rule changes would need careful consideration regarding how they might impact the prestige of Origin and the growth of the international rugby league. With the increasing strength of Pacific nations like Tonga and Samoa, some argue they should no longer be considered Tier 2 nations at all.

Slater’s potential game-one squad

Billy Slater’s Game I Maroons squad has potentially dropped, with the Queensland coach making several bold selection calls that signal his intent to reclaim Origin supremacy after last year’s heartbreaking series loss.

The biggest talking point is undoubtedly Slater’s fullback selection, with Kalyn Ponga getting the nod over incumbent Reece Walsh. The Knights superstar has been in blistering form to start the 2025 season, while Walsh has struggled with consistency issues. It’s a gutsy call that shows Slater isn’t afraid to reward form over loyalty when the situation demands it.

In the halves, Cameron Munster returns to the fold after missing the entire 2024 series through injury, partnering veteran Daly Cherry-Evans, who’s decided to go around for one more Origin campaign despite speculation about his representative future. DCE’s experience will be crucial as Queensland looks to start strong at its Suncorp fortress.

The forward pack sees Pat Carrigan shift to prop alongside workhorse Reuben Cotter while the explosive Tino Fa’asuamaleaui slots in at lock after successfully returning from last year’s ACL injury. The emergence of Dolphins enforcer Tom Gilbert on an edge alongside Dragons backrower Jaydn Su’A gives Queensland plenty of defensive starch and attacking punch.

Harry Grant gets first crack at the dummy-half role, with Ben Hunt providing versatile impact off a bench that includes Titans prop Moeaki Fotuaika, rising star Max Plath, and experienced campaigner Lindsay Collins.

It looks as though Slater has picked a squad that balances what’s worked in previous campaigns with players who’ve demanded selection through their club form.

How to lock in your State of Origin 2025 tickets

Your main source for the best tickets to all three State of Origin 2025 games is Queen of Tickets. Bookmark our dedicated State of Origin tickets page, and you’ll have quick access to all of the spots when they drop. Don’t miss the action this year!