We are quickly approaching the eagerly-anticipated State of Origin series opener with debates around selections running rampant.
New South Wales are venturing into a new period with Laurie Daley at the helm for a second time as he takes over from Michael Maguire.
Meanwhile, Billy Slater and his Queensland outfit will be seeking redemption when they try to reclaim the shield after last year’s heartbreaking loss.
MORE: State of Origin - When and where is Origin in 2025?
When are the State of Origin teams announced? Selection date for Game I
The Blues will return to the Maroons’ backyard of Suncorp Stadium in the opening match of the series following their exploits there in the decider last year.
The opener will take place on Wednesday, May 28. So, both teams will reveal their lineups upon the conclusion of Round 11.
NSW generally go first with their team which should be revealed on Sunday, May 18. QLD will then be expected to confirm their lineup the next morning.
Who is playing in the NRL before Origin selection?
| Date | Match | Time (AEST) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri. May 16 | Newcastle Knights 6 def. by Parramatta Eels 28 | 6:00pm | McDonald Jones Stadium |
| Fri. May 16 | Canterbury Bulldogs 24 def. Sydney Roosters 20 | 8:00pm | Accor Stadium |
| Sat. May 17 | Dolphins vs. New Zealand Warriors | 3:00pm | Suncorp Stadium |
| Sat. May 17 | North Queensland Cowboys vs. Manly Sea Eagles | 5:30pm | Queensland Country Bank Stadium |
| Sat. May 17 | Cronulla Sharks vs. Melbourne Storm | 7:35pm | Sharks Stadium |
| Sun. May 18 | Brisbane Broncos vs. St George Illawarra Dragons | 2:00pm | Suncorp Stadium |
| Sun. May 18 | Canberra Raiders vs. Gold Coast Titans | 4:05pm | GIO Stadium |
| Sun. May 18 | Wests Tigers vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs | 6:15pm | Campbelltown Sports Stadium |
| BYE | Penrith Panthers |
NSW Blues predicted team list for Origin Game I
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Zac Lomax
3. Tom Trbojevic
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Brian To'o
6. Mitch Moses
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Payne Haas
9. Reece Robson
10. Mitch Barnett
11. Hudson Young
12. Angus Crichton
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Connor Watson
15. Liam Martin
16. Stefano Utoikamanu
17. Spencer Leniu
MORE: All the latest selection and injury news for the NSW Blues
QLD Maroons predicted team list for Origin Game I
1. Kalyn Ponga
2. Xavier Coates
3. Valentine Holmes
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Cameron Munster
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Patrick Carrigan
9. Harry Grant
10. Corey Horsburgh
11. Beau Fermor
12. Tom Gilbert
13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
14. Tom Dearden
15. Lindsay Collins
16. Jeremiah Nanai
17. Reuben Cotter
MORE: All the latest selection and injury news for the QLD Maroons