Leading betting agencies have installed New South Wales as overwhelming favourites to win the 2025 Rugby League State Of Origin series.
Queensland look to be in a bit of a rebuilding phase, with a number of rookies selected in their 2025 game one squad while the New South Wales Blues have an embarrassment of riches and have left players out of their squad who would feel very, very unlucky not to be there.
Billy Slater has had to select a few veteran players who you could suggest are not in very good form in Daly Cherry-Evans and Valentine Holmes. They have also had a few injury concerns that have hurt their side leading into game one.
Laurie Daley meanwhile left out top performers such as Terrell May and Tom Trbojevic. It is a real contrast in fortunes between the two states.
You can never count out Queensland though, and we have seen in the past that they are capable of winning not only games, but whitewashing series when they look vulnerable.
Still I can’t help but think New South Wales are in a rude state of health right now, lead by players from the all conquering Penrith Panthers dynasty, and an influx of incredible young talent from across the league.
