Overview
- Payne Haas has been declared fit to play after scans revealed a minor quadriceps strain, securing his spot in the starting lineup.
- Isaah Yeo will captain the Blues in Game I, replacing Jake Trbojevic, who was ruled out due to concussion protocols.
- Max King earns his State of Origin debut, with the Bulldogs prop named on the bench following strong club performances.
- Mitchell Moses has been selected at five-eighth, partnering Nathan Cleary in a new halves combination for the Blues.
- Dylan Edwards retains the fullback role, while Latrell Mitchell and Stephen Crichton start in the centres to complete a form-driven backline.