The 2025 NRL season has kicked off.
Given the high level of anticipation, now appears to be an opportune moment to boldly predict the composition of the New South Wales team for the upcoming State of Origin series opener.
As soon as the NRL begins, selection choices rapidly become the focus of discussions, and this year will be no exception for the Blues.
After only a year as head coach, Michael Maguire departed to lead Brisbane, leaving the state in search of a replacement coach.
In NSW’s selection, they decided to return to an earlier era by choosing Laurie Daley for the role, leaving many wondering if he will stick with the team that has been successful under Maguire or opt to shake things up with some alterations.
The Sporting News forecasts the New South Wales team for the opening game of the State of Origin series on May 28 at Suncorp Stadium.
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Predicted lineup for the New South Wales Blues squad for the 2025 State of Origin game I
1. James Tedesco
2. Jacob Kiraz
3. Latrell Mitchell
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Brian To'o
6. Mitch Moses
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Terrell May
9. Reece Robson
10. Payne Haas
11. Angus Crichton
12. Haumole Olakau'atu
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Connor Watson
15. Liam Martin
16. Mitch Barnett
17. Keaon Koloamatangi
Blues team news:
Dylan Edwards usurped former NSW captain James Tedesco At fullback last season, he'll face stiff competition to keep his position now that Daley has taken over from Maguire. Penrith has had a dismal beginning to the campaign, compounded by Edwards being out due to a groin injury.
Zac Lomax felt confident about securing his position on the wing following impressive debuts for both NSW and Australia in 2024. Nevertheless, the Parramatta player sustained a foot injury during Round 5, potentially jeopardizing his participation in the opening game.
Jacob Kiraz emerges as the top choice to secure his Blues debut on the wing should Lomax be sidelined, following his return to play in Round 5 for the first time this season.
Brian To'o is expected to secure the remaining position on the wing, despite suffering from a hamstring injury that will keep him out of action for about a month. With limited time left to prove himself before the season starts, his previous performances ought to justify his inclusion in the team.
The Blues have an impressive lineup in the centers, with many star players ready to compete. Stephen Crichton is virtually guaranteed a spot, while entities like Tom Trbojevic and Bradman Best are in the mix.
Latrell Mitchell endured a hamstring issue before the start of the new season and made his comeback in Round 5. This might push him up above Turbo in the hierarchy, as Turbo has now also succumbed to an injury setback.
Nathan Cleary missed the whole series last year but will take the position of halfback if he recovers. The choice for who partners alongside him is quite fascinating. Jarome Luai and Mitch Moses the leading contenders.
Luai needs to make an impact for the Wests Tigers after joining the struggling team, whereas Moses stood out in the State of Origin series last year, strengthening his case for a position in the squad come 2025.
Daley highlighted that the Parra playmaker caught his attention last year, and he didn’t see any reason why the player couldn't excel as a five-eighths.
Payne Haas will be at the forefront with his partner leading the way, but the situation is vague.
Jake Trbojevic was appointed as captain but saw reduced playing time over the course of the series and might be removed from the team Isaah Yeo demonstrating his qualifications as the leader of the Kangaroos at the Pacific Championships.
Stefano Utoikamanu is expected to make a strong comeback after relocating to Melbourne, with NSW advisor Craig Bellamy gaining direct insight into his performance capabilities, thus Mitch Barnett will also stand at the forefront of the line following his impressive performance in his inaugural series last year.
Terrell May has had a scorching beginning to the season following his move to the Tigers and might just fit what Daley is seeking.
Reece Robson got the jump on Api Koroisau Last year and will attempt to maintain the lead against the elegant Tigers' hooker once more, though the Cowboys’ dismal beginning to the season could undermine his case.
Liam Martin , Angus Crichton and Yeo was capable of forming a remarkable back row following exceptional performances throughout the 2024 season, despite Haumole Olakau'atu , Hudson Young and Jacob Preston are making strong starts by applying pressure early this year.
Cameron Murray has been ruled out for the rest of the season following an injury in February.
Connor Watson Could make the perfect backup choice from the bench once more, though will have to compete with Koroisau. Tyran Wishart and Matt Burton However, Burton sustained a knee injury in Round 2, potentially knocking him out of contention.
Spencer Leniu held an early lead for a place on the team after making a strong impression during his first series last year.
However, Keaon Koloamatangi has shown much better performance early in the season compared to him. If Daley plans to include only one additional recognized prop among his substitutes, it remains uncertain. This could involve Martin potentially moving from the starting lineup to add flexibility within the team’s configuration.