State of Origin II: Major Selection Changes Loom for Maroons and Blues

As anticipation builds for Game 2 of the 2025 State of Origin series in Perth, significant changes are underway for both the New South Wales (NSW) Blues and Queensland (QLD) Maroons. Reports indicate that Maroons captain Daly Cherry-Evans is set to be dropped from the lineup, a decision that would mark a historic moment in the series, as he would be the first skipper to be axed mid-series since 1996.

The upcoming match, scheduled for June 18, has heightened the stakes for both teams following Queensland's disappointing performance in the first game, where they suffered a loss at Suncorp Stadium. According to a statement by Billy Slater, head coach of the Maroons, the decision regarding Cherry-Evans is a crucial one that will involve comprehensive discussions with selectors and medical staff, highlighting the complexities of team selection at this elite level.

"I believe the players decide who’s out there. It’s just up to myself and the selectors to monitor their performances and to watch them and get the best person for each position," Slater stated on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show.

This shake-up comes amid a backdrop of intense scrutiny regarding player performance and team dynamics. Cherry-Evans, who has been a stalwart for the Maroons since 2018, faces replacement by rising star Tom Dearden. This potential change has sparked discussions about the future of veteran players in the highly competitive environment of State of Origin.

Brad Fittler, former coach of the Blues, emphasized the pressure involved in selection decisions, particularly when the stakes are high. "It's a nightmare because you've got this team in your head. You think: 'Is he really injured? Could he handle a game? How long would he be able to train for?'" Fittler remarked, reflecting on the intricacies of team selection that extend beyond mere statistics and performance.

The selection process has also been marred by controversy, particularly with recent comments from Tigers coach Benji Marshall suggesting that player selection may be influenced by off-field issues, a claim met with skepticism by Blues legends Andrew Johns and Fittler.

"I don’t agree with that at all. It’s put to bed. I’m sure he and Laurie have had a chat. I think it was blown totally out of proportion," Johns remarked, reinforcing the notion that performance should dictate selection rather than external factors.

The implications of Cherry-Evans' potential exclusion extend beyond the immediate game. It raises questions about the role of experienced players in the evolving landscape of rugby league and the expectations placed on them during pivotal series like State of Origin. As the Maroons prepare for the upcoming match, the dynamics of team selection will undoubtedly be a focal point for fans and analysts alike.

In contrast, the NSW Blues are also navigating their own selection challenges, with key players likely to be evaluated based on their performance in the lead-up to the second game. As both teams finalize their rosters, the results from the preceding NRL round will play a significant role in shaping the final decisions.

With the match just days away, both squads are poised to make strategic adjustments in hopes of securing a crucial victory. The State of Origin series not only showcases the best of rugby league talent but also serves as a barometer for the evolving strategies and philosophies within the sport at large.

**Future Projections:** As the series progresses, the decisions made by both Slater and Fittler will be critical in determining the trajectory of their teams. The ongoing discussions about player selection, performance metrics, and the influence of external factors will continue to shape the narrative of this storied rivalry. With the stakes higher than ever, fans can expect an intense showdown that transcends beyond the field and into the broader discussions of sportsmanship and leadership within Australian rugby league.