With State of Origin Game 1 fast approaching, anticipation is at fever pitch—and thanks to the “Fans Have Your Say”app, we now have a clearer picture of who the people want pulling on the Sky-Blue of New South Wales or the Maroon of Queensland.
Many of fans have cast their votes, selecting the 17 players they believe deserve to take the field in one of the most intense rivalries in world sport. The outcome? A bold and exciting blend of proven stars and rising talent that reflects more than just form and fitness—it reflects pride, passion, and a deep understanding of the modern game.
The People’s NSW Blues and QLD Maroons – Game 1 Teams (as voted by fans):
NSW Blues |
QLD Maroons |
|
| 1 | James Tedesco | Kalyn Ponga |
| 2 | Brian To’o | Selwyn Cobbo |
| 3 | Stephen Crichton | Valentine Holmes |
| 4 | Latrell Mitchell | Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow |
| 5 | Zac Lomax | Xavier Coates |
| 6 | Jarome Luai | Cameron Munster |
| 7 | Nathan Cleary | Daly Cherry-Evans |
| 8 | Terrell May | Tino Fa’asuamaleaui |
| 9 | Reece Robson | Harry Grant |
| 10 | Payne Haas | Lindsay Collins |
| 11 | Angus Crichton | Jeremiah Nanai |
| 12 | Liam Martin | Kurt Capewell |
| 13 | Isaah Yeo | Patrick Carrigan |
| 14 | Apisai Koroisau | Reed Mahoney |
| 15 | Spencer Leniu | Reuben Cotter |
| 16 | Mitchell Barnett | Corey Horsburgh |
| 17 | Hudson Young | Beau Fermor |
Why Fans Might Just Get It Right
It’s easy to dismiss fan-voted teams as emotional, biased, or nostalgic. But that viewpoint underestimates the modern fan. Today’s supporters are informed, engaged, and analytical. They don’t just watch the game—they study it.
With access to live stats, performance heatmaps, injury updates, player comparisons, and expert analysis, fans now consume the game like coaches and commentators. They listen to podcasts, follow training reports, and debate selections with the same intensity seen in club boardrooms.
This heightened level of insight means fans can pick teams that not only reflect current form but also factor in combinations, resilience under pressure, and the intangible “X-factor.” Take, for example, Corey Horsburgh and Terrell May—both picked by fans not just for effort but for the fearless energy they bring to the contest.
Power to the People
The Fans Have Your Say app does more than collect opinions—it gives a voice to those who live and breathe rugby league. In a sport where selections are often shrouded in loyalty, legacy, or locker-room politics, this app offers transparency and fresh perspective.
It’s a fan-driven challenge to the old guard of Origin selection—a signal that supporters are tired of safe choices and incumbency bias. They want players who are hungry, in form, and ready to represent their state with pride and purpose.
Final Take
Whether Billy Slater and Laurie Daley stick with the fan-voted squads or go their own way, the message is clear: fans are invested, passionate, and more clued-in than ever before. These selections represent more than stats—they reflect the heartbeat of the game.
Will the selectors listen? Or will Origin 2025 mark the rise of the people’s team?
Download the Fans Have Your Say app now and make your vote count. Because when it comes to Origin—the game belongs to the people….THE FANS.
