Who will back-up after State of Origin 2025 Game I? Latest updates on Queensland and New South Wales stars

Mark Molyneux

Who will back-up after State of Origin 2025 Game I? Latest updates on Queensland and New South Wales stars image

The first game of the 2025 State of Origin series is in the books with New South Wales emerging victorious in a typically all-action opener. 

The Blues were far too good for the Maroons during an 18-6 victory which was their second in succession at Suncorp Stadium.

The Sporting News takes a look at what the damage could be from Game I for NRL clubs in Round 13. 

MORE: QLD Maroons player ratings from Game I | NSW Blues player ratings from Game I

Who won’t back-up after State of Origin 2025 opener?

Canterbury pair Stephen Crichton and Max King will not be required to back-up after Game I, with the Bulldogs enjoying a bye.

Crichton will need to be assessed by the club's medical staff though, after he suffered an elbow injury during the win. 

Kurt Mann, who acted as the 18th man for the Maroons, will also enjoy the week off with his Dogs teammates. 

Meanwhile, the Dolphins are out of action as well in Round 13, so Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will be able to put his feet up.

Who will back-up after State of Origin Game I?

St George Illawarra Dragons vs. Newcastle Knights (Friday, May 30 at 8:00pm AEST)

Dragons: 

  • Valentine Holmes

Knights:

  • Kalyn Ponga

Latest updates: 

Valentine Holmes was busy throughout the contest while operating on the wing but will play for the Red V. 

Kalyn Ponga was facing a rapid turnaround after Game I but Adam O'Brien has opted to rest his talisman. 

Gold Coast Titans vs. Melbourne Storm (Saturday, May 31 at 3:00pm AEST)

Titans:

  • Moeaki Fotuaika
  • Beau Fermor
  • Tino Fa'asuamaleaui

Storm:

  • Xavier Coates
  • Cameron Munster
  • Harry Grant
  • Trent Loiero

Latest updates:

Des Hasler confirmed all three of his Origin rep forwards will back-up as the Titans desperately attempt to keep touch with the top eight. There were doubts surrounding Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, who had some swelling around his eye, but he will play.

Xavier Coates has a history of hamstring injuries, with one infamously coming after Game II last year, so has been put on ice for this one. As has skipper Harry Grant after he has endured an injury-plagued first three months of the season. 

Cam Munster and Trent Loiero will play. 

North Queensland Cowboys vs. Wests Tigers (Saturday, May 31 at 5:30pm AEST)

Cowboys:

  • Tom Dearden
  • Reece Robson
  • Jeremiah Nanai
  • Reuben Cotter

Latest updates:

Tom Dearden featured off the bench for the Maroons, with Todd Payten confirming that he will be playing in his home state just three days after the Maroons crushing defeat. The other three Origin reps are also expected to play on Saturday night.

Manly Sea Eagles vs. Brisbane Broncos (Saturday, May 31 at 7:35pm AEST)

Sea Eagles:

  • Daly Cherry-Evans

Broncos:

  • Payne Haas
  • Patrick Carrigan

Latest updates:

Daly Cherry-Evans always backs up after Origin and this year is expected to be no different despite his age. 

Michael Maguire confirmed that both Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan will back-up as the Broncos look to stabilise their inconsistent start to the season when they travel to 4 Pines Park.

Despite heading into Game I under an injury with a quad issue, Hass' barnstorming performance through the middle saw him pick up the player-of-the-match award. 

Carrigan was also tireless for QLD as he topped the game's tackle count while also running for over 100 metres. 

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. New Zealand Warriors (Sunday, June 1 at 2:00pm AEST)

Rabbitohs:

  • Latrell Mitchell

Warriors:

  • Mitch Barnett

Latest updates: 

Latrell Mitchell is in doubt to back-up for Wayne Bennett after being pictured with ice on his knee in the sheds. 

Mitch Barnett is likely to play for the NZ outfit despite getting through plenty of work in the engine room for the Blues. 

Penrith Panthers vs. Parramatta Eels (Sunday, June 1 at 4:05pm AEST)

Panthers: 

  • Dylan Edwards
  • Brian To’o
  • Nathan Cleary
  • Liam Martin
  • Isaah Yeo

Eels:

  • Zac Lomax
  • Mitch Moses

Latest updates:

Brian To'o is at long odds to back-up after being hampered with a hamstring injury so far this campaign. However, due to Penrith's poor position in the ladder, the rest are likely to play.  

Zac Lomax has only just returned from a foot injury that sidelined him for a while, so he will be keen to play after having another impressive Origin outing.

As will Mitch Moses, who has missed plenty of club footy due to injury in the last year. 

Sydney Roosters vs. Canberra Raiders (Sunday, June 1 at 6:15pm AEST)

Roosters: 

  • Robert Toia
  • Lindsay Collins
  • Spencer Leniu
  • Connor Watson
  • Angus Crichton

Raiders:

  • Hudson Young

Latest updates:

Trent Robinson is likely to call upon all of his Origin stars to play for the tough match against the high-flying Raiders. However, Lindsay Collins has only just come back from a knee injury and may be managed. 

Hudson Young will play for the Raiders after being utilised off the bench by Laurie Daley. 

Mark Molyneux

Mark Molyneux is a freelance writer covering the NRL and UFC for Sporting News Australia. He has previously worked in the music industry and as a teacher around the world.