Tom Dearden, once seen as the heir to Broncos' great Allan Langer, has navigated a challenging journey to become a State of Origin player and a potential successor to Daly Cherry-Evans. Despite early struggles under intense public scrutiny and high expectations at the Broncos, Dearden rebuilt his confidence after moving to the North Queensland Cowboys. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, learning from past experiences, and maintaining a love for rugby league.

Dearden is set to play as Queensland’s super sub, a role previously held by Cooper Cronk and Daly Cherry-Evans. Coach Billy Slater praises Dearden's competitiveness and toughness, noting his ability to excel in any position. Cherry-Evans highlights Dearden's talent and the positive impact he has on the team.

In the 2024 series, Dearden was a standout player for Queensland, particularly with Cameron Munster sidelined. His performance included significant running meters and setting up crucial plays. With Munster's return, Dearden has been training at dummy-half but could also play as a middle forward, showcasing his versatility. Dearden's shift to halfback at North Queensland has hinted at a potential future beyond Cherry-Evans for the Maroons.

Isaah Yeo, the Penrith Panthers lock forward, has been named captain of the NSW Blues. He is known for his leadership qualities, including delivering inspirational speeches, such as one after a 2021 qualifying final loss to South Sydney. Coach Ivan Cleary highlights Yeo's ability to understand the game, perform under pressure, prepare meticulously, and lead authentically. Yeo's leadership is further emphasized by his teammates, who value his ability to hold others accountable and his clear communication.

Stephen Crichton suffered an injury scare at training, which led to Campbell Graham filling his spot. Payne Haas is also dealing with a quad injury, with Stefano Utoikamanu on standby. Connor Watson expressed confidence in Haas's recovery and backed Spencer Leniu to manage the expected booing from Queensland fans, stemming from Leniu's past clash with Johnathan Thurston. Les Kiss, the incoming Wallabies coach and former Queensland winger, attended the training and noted potential Wallabies players in both the NSW and Queensland teams. Kiss lauded Nathan Cleary, comparing him to Wally Lewis and recognizing his ability to control the game.