State of Origin 2025: Burning Questions Ahead of Game Two
The 2025 State of Origin series is heating up, with the Queensland Maroons set to take on the New South Wales Blues in game two. According to an article on Fox Sports, there are several burning questions that need to be answered ahead of the match, including the form of Tom Dearden, the impact of Jarome Luai’s late call-up, and the leadership of Cameron Munster.
Will Dearden Prove Slater Right for Axing Daly Cherry-Evans?
The biggest selection call from game one was the decision to drop Daly Cherry-Evans as halfback and captain, with Tom Dearden brought in as the chief playmaker at No. 7. Fox Sports reports that Dearden’s inclusion was hardly arguable given his form for state and country over the last two seasons. However, the same publication notes that Cherry-Evans was a scapegoat for game one’s loss and wasn’t the only player to have an off night for the Maroons.
Queensland great Cooper Cronk said he was on the fence about Billy Slater’s call until Cherry-Evans stepped out for Manly last Friday night. “I was either way with DCE or Dearden,” Cronk said, as quoted by Fox Sports. “I think Queensland could win Game II with Cherry-Evans or Dearden at halfback but the way Cherry-Evans responded for Manly against the Titans showed me that Billy made the right call.”
Will Luai Step Up After Late Call-Up for Injured Moses?
Jarome Luai’s late inclusion for the injured Mitchell Moses is a significant challenge for the New South Wales Blues. Fox Sports reports that Luai has played 10 Origins for the Blues in the No. 6 jersey but has been plying his trade at halfback for the Tigers this season.
While it should be like riding a bike returning to the No. 6 jersey alongside Nathan Cleary, Luai will have to make adjustments and there could be growing pains. Matty Johns believes moving back to five-eighth will be a huge weight off Luai’s shoulders, and has predicted that he will be the man of the match.
Will Making Munster Captain Prove a Masterstroke or Failure?
Cameron Munster’s appointment as captain of the Queensland Maroons is a bold move, according to Fox Sports. Munster has grown as a leader over the course of his career and has filled the captaincy role for the Storm in recent seasons when injuries have struck.
However, Munster has historically shown he plays the game on the edge and his competitive fire has the potential to go overboard at times. Former teammate Cooper Cronk says the five-eighth will relish in the leadership role and it will spark an all-important fast start for the Maroons.
Will Utoikamanu Get His Origin Redemption?
Stefano Utoikamanu will play his second game of Origin after being included to replace the injured Mitch Barnett. Fox Sports reports that the Storm star played just 15 minutes in his Origin debut in 2023, before he was discarded by then coach Brad Fittler.
Since then, Utoikamanu has moved from the Tigers to Melbourne as part of a plan to get the best out of himself as a player under Craig Bellamy. The Blues will need impact and energy from the giant front-rower.
Can Capewell Overcome Defensive Deficiencies?
Kurt Capewell has been a loyal servant for the Maroons, but apart from his recall to the team last year, he hadn’t played for his state since 2022. Fox Sports reports that Capewell replaced Jeremiah Nanai in the back row, but both players have weaknesses with their defence.
When David Fifita was overlooked for Capewell last year it didn’t work out too well for the Maroons, so it remains to be seen what has changed a year later.
Who Will Win the Battle of the Coaches?
The battle between the coaches is always a crucial aspect of the State of Origin series. Fox Sports reports that Billy Slater had praise heaped on him from all quarters after guiding the Maroons to two series wins in his first two years at the helm.
However, like Brad Fittler who did the same, he is starting to learn how difficult it is to coach at Origin level when you are losing. Every selection gets put under the microscope and every mounting loss fires up the blowtorch more on the coach.
Laurie Daley got plenty of praise after the Blues’ commanding performance in game one, but he knows from his first stint in charge of NSW how hard it is when you start losing. Helping him this season is the guidance of master coach Craig Bellamy, while he has an excellent team at his disposal, who are coming off a series win.
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