As anticipation reaches fever pitch ahead of Game Two of the 2025 State of Origin series, all eyes are on the late mail trickling in from both camps, particularly out west where a cluster of key Penrith Panthers stars have been under the injury cloud or under selection scrutiny. With the series on the line for the Blues and the Maroons eager to clinch another Origin shield, the late decisions around fitness, match-ups, and game-day calls could prove pivotal. The storylines have been building for days, but now the smoke is starting to clear—and there are major implications for both sides.
Among the biggest talking points is the condition of Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards, who was initially ruled out of Game One with a quad injury that opened the door for James Tedesco’s shock recall. Edwards had been in superb form for Penrith and was set to finally make his long-awaited Origin debut before suffering the strain during a training session in the lead-up to the opener. However, as Game Two approached, reports began to emerge that Edwards had returned to full training and was moving freely. After multiple fitness tests under the watchful eye of the Blues’ medical staff and coach Michael Maguire, Edwards has now been declared fit and is expected to reclaim his spot in the No. 1 jersey. This late change is not without controversy, as Tedesco, a seasoned Origin veteran, was solid in Game One despite the team’s overall struggles. But Maguire has been adamant that form and structure take precedence over loyalty, and Edwards’ chemistry with the Penrith core players gives the Blues added cohesion.
Another Panthers star firmly in the spotlight is halfback Nathan Cleary, who continues to recover from a lingering hamstring injury. Cleary was always considered unlikely to feature in the series after suffering the setback during Penrith’s Round 11 clash. While there had been faint hope that he might return in time for Game Two, Cleary was officially ruled out last week, and Nicho Hynes has retained the No. 7 jersey. Even so, Cleary’s presence around the squad has been influential. He’s traveled with the team and been spotted assisting with tactical breakdowns and mentoring the playmakers, essentially acting as an on-field coach during training sessions. His behind-the-scenes involvement underscores the trust and respect he commands within the NSW setup. But for now, the Blues will again look to Hynes to steer the ship, hoping he can bounce back from a mixed showing in Game One.
There is also significant news concerning Panthers and Blues five-eighth Jarome Luai. A fiery and polarizing figure, Luai’s selection was questioned by critics after his lack of consistent dominance at club level this year. Still, Maguire stood by him, and the Game Two build-up has confirmed that Luai will retain his place in the starting side. His combination with Edwards and Isaah Yeo remains a central pillar of the Blues’ attack, and Luai’s spark could be vital in breaking down Queensland’s disciplined defensive wall. However, late mail suggests that Maguire has been trialing some alternate rotations during training, potentially signaling shorter stints or creative tweaks designed to capitalize on Luai’s flair without overextending him. Matt Burton, who was added to the extended squad earlier in the week, looms as a bench X-factor, particularly with his left-foot kicking game and defensive versatility. Whether Burton earns a late call-up onto the bench remains to be seen, but insiders say the coaching staff is seriously considering the move.
On the Maroons’ side, things have been relatively stable, but there are rumblings of late reshuffling to adapt to the Blues’ anticipated changes. One of the key matchups being monitored is the battle between Panthers prop Moses Leota and Queensland enforcer Lindsay Collins. Leota, though born in New Zealand and ineligible for Origin, has influenced NSW’s plans by anchoring the Panthers’ forward pack and contributing to the synergy of the players selected. With James Fisher-Harris also unavailable for the Blues due to injury, the absence of Leota’s usual partners in crime has left Isaah Yeo with more leadership responsibility in the middle. The latest mail indicates Yeo is set for an extended role, possibly pushing toward 70 minutes if conditions allow, as the Blues look to win the battle of attrition through work rate and stamina. Yeo has been one of the most durable and dependable players in the NRL over the past few seasons, and the coaching staff believes his effort areas can tilt momentum back NSW’s way.
Another crucial update involves Panthers winger Brian To’o, who had been dealing with a slight ankle complaint following Penrith’s last club fixture. To’o trained away from the main group early in the week, sparking speculation that he may not be 100% fit. However, multiple sources have now confirmed he completed the captain’s run without strapping and showed no visible signs of restriction. To’o is a lock to play, and his yardage carries will be integral to the Blues’ start to each set. He remains one of the most reliable meter-eaters in the game and has been quietly strong in his Origin performances, consistently generating momentum from the backfield. The confidence shown in him by the Blues’ staff and his teammates has further cemented his importance to the side, and now that his health is no longer in doubt, expect him to be heavily involved from the opening whistle.
For Queensland, the late mail suggests coach Billy Slater is unlikely to make any unforced changes but has been closely watching the weather conditions and pitch report for the clash at the MCG. With heavy dew expected in the second half, there’s talk of a subtle tactical tweak involving early interchange usage to keep leg speed fresh late in the game. David Fifita, controversially left out in Game One, was brought back into the squad as cover but has not been named in the 17. Barring a last-minute injury, Fifita will remain on the sidelines. Still, Slater’s track record of throwing in surprise elements keeps everyone guessing. There is a possibility that utility player Selwyn Cobbo could be shifted between positions mid-game, depending on how NSW deploys their bench weapons.
One of the lesser-discussed but significant late developments relates to the refereeing approach. Game One saw a high penalty count, particularly against the Blues, drawing criticism from several past players and analysts who felt the whistle-happy nature of the game disrupted its flow. According to insiders close to the NRL’s match review panel, Game Two will see a more ‘let-it-flow’ directive issued to the officials. This has immediate tactical implications for both teams. NSW, with their Panthers-driven grind-and-control style, will need to quickly adapt to looser ruck policing. Queensland, on the other hand, could benefit with their quick outside backs and counterattacking prowess. These small margins often become turning points in Origin football, and coaches are already preparing contingency plans based on officiating tone.
With the stakes sky-high, this second chapter of the 2025 Origin series has shaped into a tactical chess match before a ball is even kicked. The return of Dylan Edwards injects renewed belief into a Blues camp that knows there is no tomorrow without victory. Nicho Hynes gets one more opportunity to cement his place among Origin playmakers, while Jarome Luai faces the pressure of silencing critics and delivering when it matters most. The influence of Isaah Yeo and the running game of Brian To’o are poised to be focal points of the Blues’ strategy, all of which rely on their Panthers-built foundation being rock-solid and fully operational. On the other side, the Maroons are steady, composed, and brimming with confidence after a clinical Game One display. They’ve made minimal changes but remain flexible, unpredictable, and full of Origin DNA.
The late mail confirms what many suspected: this is a clash built on fine margins, where the health of one hamstring, the pain tolerance of one ankle, or the bounce of a slippery ball could define history. Whether New South Wales can extend the series to a decider or Queensland once again secures Origin supremacy will hinge not just on the stars themselves, but on how their coaches and support teams manage the precious few remaining hours before kickoff. As the MCG prepares to host another titanic Origin showdown, one thing is certain—every late change, every whisper from training, every shift in the game-day lineup will be magnified in the crucible of State of Origin football. And for the Panthers contingent at the heart of it all, the time to step up and deliver is now.
