Which players are backing up after State of Origin? NSW and Queensland stars playing in NRL Round 20

This year's State of Origin series came to an end on Wednesday, with NSW winning a thrilling decider at Lang Park to take out the shield for the first time since 2021.

It was a gripping and bruising encounter, with brawls, big hits and players nursing battle scars on both sides.

Yet there is no rest for the weary, as the NRL is straight back into action with close to a full round of rugby league in round 20.

With the battle for the top four and finals in full swing as the season marches on, coaches now face a difficult decision on whether to give their Origin stars a rest ahead of the final charge, or whether to ask them to push through the pain barrier in order to get an important win this weekend.

MORE: NRL team lists round 20 | NRL finals race anaylsed

Which players are backing up after State of Origin?

As it stands, many of the Origin stars whose club side is in action have been named to make a swift return to clubland this weekend, though not all of them have been named as starters or in the reserves.

Game 3 try-scoring hero Bradman Best will play for the Knights alongside Kayln Ponga and Dane Gagai, as they face a massive match against the Broncos; Kevin Walters has said all but one of his Origin players will be available in the match as he looks to end a six game losing run.

Wally Lewis Medal winner Angus Crichton is at this stage in the starting side for the Roosters, but that could change closer to kick-off, with Connor Watson also being named despite being seen with ice on his knee after the game.

Some of the players named in the reserves who are differing chances of being elevated to the starting side include Panthers trio Jarome Luai, Liam Martin and Brian To'o, as well as all of North Queensland's Origin players in Val Holmes, Tom Dearden, Jeremiah Nanai, Reece Robson and Reuben Cotter.

List of State of Origin players named for NRL round 20

Warriors: Kurt Capewell, Mitch Barnett
Knights: Kalyn Ponga, Dane Gagai, Bradman Best
Broncos: Reece Walsh, Patrick Carrigan, Payne Haas
Storm: Harry Grant
Roosters: Angus Crichton, Spencer Leniu, Connor Watson
Panthers: Jarome Luai, Liam Martin, Brian To'o (all reserves)
Dolphins: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
Sea Eagles: Daly Cherry-Evans, Jake Trbojevic
Cowboys: Valentine Holmes, Tom Dearden, Jeremiah Nanai, Reece Robson, Reuben Cotter (all reserves)
Bulldogs: Stephen Crichton
Titans: Moeaki Fotuaika

Which players will not be backing up after State of Origin?

There are some players who will not be returning this weekend, either due to a choice to rest them or due to suspension, though the list could grow over the weekend as final calls are made by coaches.

Cam Murray and Haumole Olakau'atu were suspended for two-games each after their role in the first half brawl that ignited the clash on Wednesday.

The Broncos confirmed Selywn Cobbo would be their only Origin man to miss out in their crucial match against the Knights, with Walters needing as much talent as possible in a bid to turn around his sides season.

The Panthers are resting captain Isaah Yeo and were also set to rest Dylan Edwards, though he is now out for two weeks with a PCL injury.

The Dragons have a bye, meaning Ben Hunt will get an important rest, whilst the Eels also have a bye, but this is a moot point from an Origin standpoint, as Mitch Moses suffered a season ending injury in his man of the match performance.

NRL Round 20 fixtures