Toia, Fermor, Loiero earn Origin debuts for Maroons

Marooons coach Billy Slater has named three debutants in his team to tackle the Westpac NSW Blues in Game One of the 2025 Ampol State of Origin series on May 28 in Brisbane.

Roosters centre Robert Toia, Titans back-rower Beau Fermor and Storm edge forward Trent Loiero have all been named in Slater's squad for the Suncorp Stadum clash.

All three players have been part of Queensland’s emerging pathways squads and youth representative teams in recent years.

Toia has enjoyed a meteoric rise after making his NRL debut in the opening round of the 2025 season against the Broncos.

The 20-year-old has shown plenty of flair with ball in hand and defended strongly in his 10 games for the Roosters.

“Robert Toia, I've been watching him closely, not just the stuff that he does with the football, but he's got great principles in his game," Slater said.

“I know his coach at the, the Roosters has got a really high opinion of that part of his game and that was one of the phone calls last night that was one that I'll remember for a long time, let alone one that he'll remember and I’m really happy for him, I'm happy for his family.

“I'm sure there would have been some good moments talking to his family and delivering that news to them; they probably travelled far and wide to take him to junior games throughout his years and now they get to come to this place at Suncorp Stadium and watch their boy play for Queensland."

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Loiero, meanwhile, was 18th man for the Maroons in Game Three of last year's series and is putting together another impressive season with the Storm.

Roosters forward Lindsay Collins made a successful comeback from a knee injury against the Bulldogs and has earned his 13th Origin cap.

Kurt Mann, Jesse Arthars and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki are also a step closer to making their Origin debuts after being named in the Maroons' extended squad.

Former Townsville Blackhawks forward Finefeuiaki played for the Queensland Under 19 team against NSW in 2022 alongside new Maroons centre Toia.

Winton junior Mann is back in the extended Maroons squad for the first time since 2021, while Gold Coast junior Arthars gets his first chance to impress in Maroons camp under Slater.

The Maroons will again be captained by Daly Cherry-Evans, who lines up in his 26th State of Origin match.

Cherry-Evans will partner Cameron Munster in the halves, while Munster's Storm teammate Harry Grant has been named at hooker after making a successful return from a hamstring injury against the Sharks.

Maroons squad Game 1

1. Kalyn Ponga (Knights)

2. Xavier Coates (Storm)

3. Robert Toia (Roosters)

4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins)

5. Valentine Holmes (Dragons)

6. Cameron Munster (Storm)

7. Daly Cherry-Evans © (Sea Eagles)

8. Moeaki Fotuaika (Titans)

9. Harry Grant (Storm)

10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (Titans)

11. Reuben Cotter (Cowboys)

12. Jeremiah Nanai (Cowboys)

13. Patrick Carrigan (Broncos)

14. Tom Dearden (Cowboys)

15. Lindsay Collins (Roosters)

16. Beau Fermor (Titans)

17. Trent Loiero (Storm)

18. Kurt Mann (Bulldogs)

19. Jesse Arthars (Broncos)

20. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (Dolphins)

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