Five stars who will be cut from State of Origin in 2025

State of Origin isn't just a chance to support your state, but an opportunity to watch the best of the best battle it out for all the marbles.

While there's a heap of repeat offenders in Origin, like Nathan Cleary, Harry Grant, and Payne Haas, there are some stars who won't be granted the same treatment.

Whether due to poor performances, fierce competition, or simply a case of Father Time catching up to them, these guys will not be returning to the State of Origin arena in 2025.

Jake Trbojevic

As if Jake Trbojevic wasn't already on the outer after his less-than-convincing reign as the Blues' captain, his 2025 form for the Manly Sea Eagles has been average at best.

The decision to make 'Jurbo' the Blues' skipper in 2024 had many fans scratching their heads before he had even stepped on the pitch. Their doubts weren't alleviated by the time he finally had, as he spent more time on the bench than in the defensive line throughout the entire series.

Trbojevic has been one of the most consistent forwards of the last decade; however, as the 31-year-old has begun to slow down, his services are becoming less and less valuable every season. With the emergence of dominant big men such as Terrell May and Keon Koloamatangi, it seems all but set that the 19-match Blues veteran will have to forfeit his jersey in 2025.

Kurt Capewell

State of Origin is not for the weak-willed, with players being injured and battered in every match between the two states. This is why the versatility of Kurt Capewell has been vital to the Queensland Maroons' success over the years. However, as the 31-year-old enters the twilight of his career and creeps further out of his prime, his state may not need him as much as it once did.

While Capewell has been a commendable addition to the Maroons squad since his debut in 2020, he has not been quite the same since making the move to the New Zealand Warriors. His age has certainly caught up to him, and while he was once able to excel in both the backline and the forward pack, the premiership-winning backrower hasn't been able to replicate his once-elite form.

His eventual exclusion from the squad has as much to do with the elite backrow stocks the Maroons possess as it does with his mediocre form. With superstars like David Fifita, J'maine Hopgood, and Beau Fermor all vying for spots in the second row, Capewell's 10-match Origin career may be reaching its fateful end.

Reece Walsh

Editor's note: This entry was provided prior to Reece Walsh's injury sustained on Saturday, which is likely to make him unavailable for Game 1 selection.

Pegged as the next great Queensland fullback, Brisbane Broncos star Reece Walsh has been one of the most disappointing players of the 2025 season.

Walsh is a megastar of our game, with the 22-year-old holding as much influence off-field as he does on-field. However, the immense expectations placed on the young fullback's shoulders have caused his form to crumble, starting the 2025 season with some abysmal performances. His struggles are not through lack of trying, with the Maroons star seeking to pull off a few too many big plays to lift his side, a trait Queensland coach Billy Slater doesn't appreciate.

While his absence from the Maroons' side may only be temporary, the pressures of Origin rugby league may simply be too much for the young star to handle at the moment, as he frantically seeks to pull himself out of this slump. With gun fullbacks Kalyn Ponga and Jye Gray salivating at the chance to claim the No. 1 jumper, 2025 may need to be a reset year for young Walsh.

Mitchell Moses

Missing out on the Blues squad could potentially be the end of Mitchell Moses' career, but with Nathan Cleary confirmed as a lock-in by Laurie Daley and Jarome Luai showcasing his growth as a half at the Wests Tigers, the former Panthers duo may edge out the Lebanon international.

Moses was exceptional in the 2024 Origin series, and as the Parramatta Eels skipper enters his 30s, he is just reaching the peak of his powers. His resume speaks for itself, however, Moses spent the end of last season and the beginning of this season sidelined, which is sure to impact his match fitness. The fact that his competition is in-form Tigers' skipper Jarome Luai, his spot in Laurie Daley's squad looks even less likely.

If the series-winning halfback misses out on selection in Game 1, we may not see the 30-year-old return to the Origin arena for a while, if at all.

Bradman Best

A boon for the New South Wales Blues' backline, elite ball-runner Bradman Best's exclusion will be the result of other superstar talent demanding selection, as opposed to poor form on his part.

Scoring the opening try in the Origin decider, Best justified his place in his state's squad. However, his initial inclusion was a result of injury, with both Tom Trbojevic and Latrell Mitchell unfit to suit up. Mitchell has been electric in his return to the South Sydney Rabbitohs, and 'Turbo' is due back in a few weeks.

With Stephen Crichton a shoo-in for the Blues' right edge, Best would need both stars to pull up with injuries if he hopes to secure a sky blue jumper. Otherwise, it looks like Best is set to cop the short end of the stick as a result of his state's elite outside back stocks.