After heavy back-to-back defeats in Brisbane not seen since the ‘97 & ‘98 series, Billy Slater has swung his axe, sensationally dropping Queensland halfback and captain Daley Cherry-Evans for State of Origin Game 2. The Blues now have the Maroons on the ropes and are in a prime position to throw a knockout blow and claim the Origin series in Perth next Wednesday night. Michael Chammas and Christian Nicolussi discuss the new team line-ups ahead of next week's game.

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The 2025 State of Origin series is underway, with a huge crowd witnessing another Queensland defeat at Suncorp Stadium… the Blues downing the Maroons 18 points to 6.

Queensland have now lost four of their past five matches against New South Wales, as the Blues recorded back to back wins in Brisbane for the first time in 17 years.

So can Queensland bounce back? Will Billy Slater wield his axe for game 2? Or will the Blues seal the series in Perth?

Christian Nicolussi joins Michael Chammas to break it all down.

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Welcome to the first edition of 40/20, a new NRL podcast where we’ll be breaking down the biggest stories across the game, with the best journalists and NRL insiders from around the country.

It’s Monday, May 19 and the much anticipated State of Origin team lists for Game 1 have been locked in…with returning Blues coach Laurie Daley staying loyal as Billy Slater bloods three debutants for the Maroons…Michael Chammas and Christian Nicolussi discuss the New South Wales and Queensland line ups.

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