State of Origin 2025 is officially here, and the tension couldn’t be higher. As NSW and Queensland reveal their Game 1 line-ups, fans are already debating bold calls, shock omissions, and which side has the edge heading into one of the biggest events in the Australian sporting calendar.
Fans from both camps are in for a spectacle, with Game 1 set to deliver breakout performances, strategic showdowns, and the trademark Origin intensity that fuels this storied rivalry.
Image 1: Accor Stadium packed with fans before State of Origin kickoff
Source: Populous
State of Origin 2025 Dates & Game 1 Kick-Off Time
The State of Origin Game 1 2025 takes place on Wednesday, May 29 at 8:05 PM AEST, live from Accor Stadium in Sydney. The stadium is expected to host over 80,000 fans for the opening clash of this year’s three-match series.
For those wondering “what time does State of Origin start”, pre-game coverage begins from 7:00 PM, with the official kickoff at 8:05 PM sharp.
New South Wales Blues: Risk or Reinvention?
The NSW Blues have named a squad with a mix of proven talent and eyebrow-raising call-ups. While some veterans remain, selectors have made clear they’re prioritising hunger and form over legacy.
Key Inclusions:
- Ryan Matterson returns to the Origin arena after a solid NRL season, bringing experience and versatility.
- Will Kennedy earns his maiden Origin jersey, beating out more seasoned options at fullback.
- Latrell Mitchell comes back into the mix, aiming to silence doubters and add spark to NSW’s left edge.
Notable Omissions:
- Luke Keary, despite strong early-season form, was not picked, marking his third straight Origin snub.
- Matt Ballin and Jamal Idris, both once tipped as future Origin staples, have faded from the selection radar.
- Jarrod Mullen and David Peachey, once linked to NSW’s long-term plans, are now cited in post-Origin retrospectives rather than active line-up discussions.
Queensland Maroons: Loyalty Meets Fresh Fire
The Maroons stay true to their brand—stick with your winners but keep an eye on the next generation. With emerging talent putting pressure on seasoned players, the 2025 squad walks a line between tradition and evolution.
Key Additions:
- Selwyn Cobbo returns to the wing after a breakout 2024.
- Tom Flegler earns a front-row start, showcasing QLD’s intent to muscle up early.
- Ezra Mam wins the battle for the No. 6 jersey, a move praised for its attacking upside.
Sticking with Experience:
Queensland’s leadership core remains intact, with experienced playmakers steering the squad and offering both strategic control and invaluable Origin experience.
Image 2: Queensland Maroons 2025 Game 1 line-up officially unveiled
Source: YouTube
Selection Surprises: Who Might Never Play Again?
The buzz around selections is also about those who didn’t make it—and may never again. Several players dropped for 2025 were once touted as permanent fixtures in their squads.
For NSW, names like Keary, Idris, and Mullen are now considered part of a pattern—players who burned brightly but couldn’t convert that form into Origin longevity.
QLD’s dropped stars include Reed Mahoney and Corey Oates, both of whom struggled with injury or consistency at key moments.
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Form vs Legacy: A Battle on and off the Field
The 2025 series seems to crystallise an emerging theme in Origin selections—form beats loyalty. Critics argue that the Blues, in particular, have finally embraced a “pick-and-stick” model based on performance.
Meanwhile, Queensland’s approach continues to balance chemistry with flare, relying on club combinations (especially from the Broncos and Dolphins) to maintain on-field cohesion.
What to Expect in Game 1
- High tempo from the opening whistle, as both sides will aim to assert dominance early.
- Targeted matchups like Munster vs. Hynes and Cobbo vs. Mitchell will likely shape the contest.
- A battle in the ruck, where players like Isaah Yeo and Patrick Carrigan could tilt momentum.
How to Watch & Where to Follow
- TV Broadcast: Channel 9, 7:00 PM AEST
- Streaming: 9Now App
- Radio: Triple M NRL, ABC Grandstand
- Live Updates: com
Image 3: State of Origin fans in jerseys before kick-off
Source: ABC NEWS
Conclusion: State of Origin 2025—More Than a Game
With fresh blood, fiery rivalries, and more at stake than ever, State of Origin 2025 Game 1 is shaping up to be a classic. Whether you’re in the stands or watching from the couch, this midweek showdown is set to reignite the oldest grudge in Australian sport—and maybe write a few new chapters along the way.
