State of Origin: Isaah Yeo to captain NSW as Bulldogs prop handed shock debut
The GuardianSunday, May 18, 2025 at 11:19:38 AM
The NSW Blues have thrown a curveball with their State of Origin lineup, naming Isaah Yeo as captain and handing Bulldogs prop Max King a surprise debut off the bench for Game 1. Meanwhile, star forward Payne Haas faces a fitness test for a quad injury, adding uncertainty to the squad. Coach Laurie Daley stuck with Dylan Edwards at fullback and the halves pairing of Mitch Moses and Nathan Cleary, but King’s unexpected call-up is the real headline.
What This Means: State of Origin selections always spark debate, but King’s debut—especially as a bench pick—shows NSW is willing to gamble on fresh talent. Haas’ potential absence could weaken their pack, making Yeo’s leadership even more critical. For fans, it’s another twist in the endless drama of Origin, where surprises and last-minute changes are just part of the spectacle.
— Curated via WP Now’s AI editorial system
