State of Origin Decider - Pacific Island Pride Front and Centre in Game 3

The team lists for the decider of State of Origin 2025 are in, with New South Wales keeping their line-up and shuffles across the Queensland side. The series has also been seen a celebration of the growing impact of Pacific Island players in rugby league’s biggest event.

Across both teams, players with Pacific heritage are not just filling jerseys. They are pushing their teams forward, shaping the culture, and carrying their communities with them every time they step onto the field.

Queensland Maroons: Team Shuffles

Queensland has made bold moves for Game 3, with coach Billy Slater shaking things up significantly. The Maroons have reloaded key positions, especially in the backline and the forward pack.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, proudly representing his Samoan roots through his father, has moved to fullback, taking Reece Walsh's spot. ‘The Hammer’ brings impressive speed and energy, and his Pacific heritage is an essential part of his narrative.

Xavier Coates keeps his spot on the wing. His mother is from Papua New Guinea, and his journey continues to inspire young PNG players hoping to succeed in the NRL.

2025 debutant Robert Toia brings Tongan pride into the centres. His selection is significant for the Tongan rugby league community, which has been gaining momentum in the sport.

Valentine Holmes, with Cook Islands roots, shifts to the wing in this reshuffle. A seasoned Origin player, Holmes is reliable, and his cultural pride is a vital part of who he is.

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, strong in his Samoan heritage, remains a prop. Tino has been a solid foundation for the Maroons—tough, dependable, and a quiet leader with deep cultural pride.

Jeremiah Nanai, born in Samoa, holds his place on the bench. Nanai’s energy and fearless runs have made him a key asset for Queensland.

Slater’s choices combine experience, fresh energy, and a lot of Pacific firepower.

New South Wales Blues: No Changes,

For New South Wales, coach Laurie Daley is staying consistent. The Blues are keeping the same starting 17 from Game 2, trusting their squad to get the job done.

There is no shortage of Pacific flair here either.

Brian To’o, a proud Samoan, continues to challenge defences from the wing. His strong carries, on-field energy, and leadership in Pacific communities have made him a fan favourite.

Jarome Luai, another proud Samoan, is again at five-eighth. Luai’s creativity and his love for representing Samoa have made him a standout at both club and international levels.

Stephen Crichton, also of Samoan heritage, is dependable in the centres. Calm under pressure, Crichton has become one of the Blues’ most reliable players.

Payne Haas, with strong Samoan family ties, stays as the engine of the NSW pack. His work ethic and power make him one of the most valuable forwards in the game.

Spencer Leniu, another proud Samoan, brings impact off the bench with his aggressive playing style—perfect for swinging momentum.

Stefano Utoikamanu, with Tongan roots, keeps his spot on the bench too. His selection shows Daley’s faith in the young prop to bounce back and make an impact.

The Blues are relying on consistency, but their Pacific players will certainly be in the thick of things again.

Full List of Pacific Island-Heritage Players in Game 3

Queensland Maroons
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow – Samoan
Xavier Coates – Papua New Guinean
Robert Toia – Tongan
Valentine Holmes – Cook Islands
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui – Samoan
Jeremiah Nanai – Samoan

New South Wales Blues
Brian To’o – Samoan
Jarome Luai – Samoan
Stephen Crichton – Samoan
Payne Haas – Samoan
Spencer Leniu – Samoan
Stefano Utoikamanu – Tongan