Now that the dust has settled on the Game 2 team selections, the debate is only getting louder. With both Queensland and New South Wales naming their 20-man squads, fans have been left stunned by some major selection bombshells — and they’re not staying silent.
We asked NRL fans to vote on the three most surprising selections or omissions from the Origin squads, and the results are in. Many have cast their votes on the Fans Have Your Say app — a clean, troll-free platform where opinions are measured by votes, not arguments. No comment threads, no abuse. Just simple polls and honest fan reactions.
Here’s how the fans voted — and the real reasons why some of these decisions sent shockwaves across rugby league circles:
🔥 Top Fan Reactions – With Analysis
29% – The selection of Ezra Mam
Ezra Mam is an electric player — few would argue with that. But his selection didn’t top the surprise list because of his on-field form alone. The real controversy lies in his off-field behaviour and recent suspension, which many thought would rule him out of Origin contention, at least for this series.
Fans are divided. Some see his inclusion as premature and potentially rewarding poor discipline, while others believe his X-factor is exactly what Queensland needs. Either way, the selection shocked nearly a third of all voters — not because they doubt his ability, but because of the timing and message it sends.
21% – The dropping of Daly Cherry-Evans
It’s hard to imagine a Queensland side without DCE. For over a decade, he’s worn the Maroons jersey with pride, providing leadership, a reliable kicking game, and a cool head under pressure.
His omission — even from the wider squad — signals a changing of the guard, and fans clearly weren’t ready for it. Whether it’s tactical, form-related, or about building for the future, DCE’s axing has left many fans wondering if this is the end of an Origin era.
17% – The omission of Keaon Koloamatangi
Koloamatangi’s omission raised serious questions among Blues fans. Not only has he been one of South Sydney’s most consistent performers in a struggling team, but he’s also reinvented himself in 2025 — shifting from the back row to play 80 minutes at prop for the Rabbitohs. It’s a massive adjustment, and he’s handled it with power, stamina, and toughness.
Many fans expected that kind of versatility and engine would earn him a spot in the Origin arena — especially when NSW is crying out for go-forward and defensive replacement for Mitch Barnett. His absence felt less like a selection choice and more like a major oversight.
Other Notable Reactions
- 10% – The omission of Reece Walsh
A proven game-breaker with speed and vision, Walsh’s absence stunned many. Whether it’s due to concussion protocols, form, or other factors, fans felt his spark was sorely needed. - 10% – The selection of Jack Howarth
Largely untested at NRL level, Howarth’s selection raised eyebrows. While he’s a long-term investment, fans were surprised he leapfrogged more experienced players. - 5% – The dropping of Beau Fermor
Fermor has been consistent and defensively sound. While not flashy, his omission left some fans scratching their heads, especially when reliability is often key in Origin. - 5% – The selection of Lindsay Smith
Smith’s solid work for Penrith has earned praise, but many fans didn’t expect him to crack the Origin squad just yet. His selection represents form over profile — a trend this series. - 3% – The selection of Kurt Capewell
A seasoned campaigner, Capewell hasn’t set the world alight this year. Fans seem divided: does experience still outweigh form? - 0% – The selection of Stefano Utoikamanu
His inclusion barely moved the needle — possibly because fans expected it, or because he’s still seen as a developing force rather than a core player. - 0% – The selection of Corey Horsburgh
A passionate, aggressive player — but perhaps too erratic for fans to be shocked either way. His selection didn’t spark strong reactions.
Let Fans Be Heard — Without the Noise
All these results were collected using the Fans Have Your Say app — a space for genuine NRL supporters to vote on the game’s biggest questions without the noise. No trolls. No threads. Just polls that show what fans really think.
📲 Download the app now on the App Store or Google Play to be part of the next poll: from post-match player ratings to future team selections — it’s fan input that actually matters.
Do You Agree With the Fans?
Whether you’re shocked by Mam, gutted for Koloamatangi, or stunned by DCE’s axing — one thing’s for sure: Origin selections still divide opinion like nothing else.
Don’t just shout at the TV — cast your vote on the Fans Have Your Say app and be part of the conversation that counts.
