Nearly six years after earning two back-to-back suspensions and being branded “the dumbest player ever” by Queensland legend Johnathan Thurston, New South Wales enforcer Hudson Young is back in the spotlight ahead of Game 1 of the 2025 State of Origin series.
Young has long been a player who thrives on intensity, and that’s exactly what he’s bringing to this year's series. The Raiders backrower is no stranger to controversy or confrontation, particularly when it comes Queenslanders.
Appearing on the Big Sports Breakfast on Thursday, the 26-year-old was encouraged to embrace the “villain” role – former Origin-winning Blues playmaker Josh Reynolds asked if Young will look to get "under the nose of some of these Queenslanders."
ORIGIN GAME 1 TEAMS: Queensland | New South Wales
Young replied, "That's the way I play every week. So I'll just be going out there and doing my thing if I get that target.
"I don't mind if I'm hated."
Young tips Cleary-Moses combo for success
Young has been named on the bench for the New South Wales Blues for Game 1 of the 2025 Origin series, scheduled for Wednesday, May 28, at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
This selection marks Young's fourth appearance in the Origin arena. He has participated in the opening games of both the 2023 and 2024 series but was not retained for subsequent matches in those years.
Though he’s primarily a back-rower, he confirmed that the possibility of him shifting into the middle during the game has been floated, depending on rotations, something he's happy to do.
"I feel really comfortable playing in the middle," he said.
"I feel like back row is pretty much in the middle anyway."
With Origin’s pace and brutality, his physicality and work rate make him a valuable asset across multiple positions.
Young will hopefully be one of the beneficiaries of playing alongside Nathan Cleary and Mitchell Moses as they link up in the halves for the first time.
"They've obviously just put their ego aside," he said of the star playmakers.
"Nathan and Mitch are world-class.
"Just being a back rower in the middle, being able to train next to them, and watching how deep they play into the line and the numbers that they create and how they create space for other players is incredible to watch."
Young also spoke about the experience of being in the New South Wales Origin camp, describing it as a very special thing.
As a lifelong fan of Craig Bellamy and the Melbourne Storm, he was thrilled to have Bellamy involved in camp this year.
"It's pretty surreal for me. I grew up to support Melbourne Storm and I was a mad Craig Bellamy fan, so to have him in camp, he's obviously done everything in the game.
"Having his presence around the group is really special."
Talking about the upcoming series, he also highlighted the challenge the Blues squad are going to face: "They've got a great forward pack and that's a challenge for us, and one that you always look forward to is going up against good forward packs."
Young made it clear that his goal for the series is simple: "I just want to go out there and play my style of footy and be the best teammate I can be and be the best Blue I can be."
Will 2025 be the year Young can finally hold his place in the NSW side for the full series?
Despite his strong form with Canberra, the Blues’ backrow remains competitive, with the likes of Haumole Olakau'atu, Jacob Preston and Keaon Koloamatangi all vying for spots.