New South Wales Blues Announce Game One Squad for 2025 State of Origin

Six debutants named as the Blues prepare to face Queensland at Stadium Australia in Sydney.

Player Selections

Tolu Koula of the Manly Sea Eagles has been named to debut on the wing. The 23-year-old has played 92 matches for Manly and eight Tests for Tonga, primarily playing as a centre at club level.

Mark Nawaqanitawase of the Sydney Roosters is a potential contender for a State of Origin debut. Nawaqanitawase has played 31 NRL games, scoring three doubles in his past four matches, and attended a pre-camp for State of Origin earlier in the year.

Player Backgrounds

Tolu Koula is the son of former Tongan Olympians Ana Siulolo Liku and Tolutau Koula Snr.

His mother competed in long jump at the 1996 Olympics and hurdles at the 2000 Olympics, where she served as Tonga's flag-bearer. His father represented Tonga in the 100-meter sprint at the 1992, 1996, and 2000 Olympics. Koula broke the AAGPS Schoolboys Open 100-meter record in 2019 with a time of 10.58 seconds.

Mark Nawaqanitawase will return to rugby union at the end of the NRL season, concluding his contract with the Sydney Roosters.

Player Statements

Tolu Koula stated that he was surprised by his selection. He said he aims to repay coach Laurie Daley's faith and represent his state well.

Manly coach Kieran Foran commented on Koula's speed, stating that the player is "electric" and can "inject himself into the contest" from any position.

Mark Nawaqanitawase stated that he is not focused on a potential Origin selection but is concentrating on his performance for the Roosters. He acknowledged the emotional aspect of leaving the club at the end of the year.

Contracts and Career

Koula re-signed with Manly for five years until the end of 2031, rejecting interest from other clubs. He debuted for Manly in 2022 and has scored 43 tries.

Nawaqanitawase has described his game as having evolved physically and defensively since his time in rugby union.