3 hours ago
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Key events
With the MCG only barely illuminated, Cathy Freeman is spotlit as she delivers the match ball to the centre spot.
The current Origin record crowd stands at 91,513 when the Blues beat the Maroons at the G in 2015. Hopes are high for a new benchmark tonight.
The MCG has been a happy hunting ground for NSW, who have won five of the six matches played at the home of Australian Rules footy.
Tonight’s referee is Ashley Klein, but there have been calls the NRL should have found a replacement. Klein took centre stage in Origin I for his decision to send off Kalyn Ponga, and he has since been the subject of media stories due to his historic gambling activities. His performance will be scrutinised like no whistleblower before.
Laurie Daley is delighted to have Payne Haas back in his XIII: “the best front row in the game”, according to the NSW coach, and he’s relieved to be able to call upon the game management and kicking prowess of Mitchell Moses.
His pregame message: “No excuses.”
There is only one Bronco in the Queensland squad, Reece Walsh, and he is no guarantee to see much game time. These are curious times at the reigning premiers.
Billy Slater has a simple message to his team tonight:
Have confidence to chase your game. Don’t be fearful.
QLD Team News:
Billy Slater makes just the one change to his run-on side following 60 minutes of dominance in Sydney.
Briton Nikora and Max Plath trade places with the Kiwi international playing on an edge allowing Reuben Cotter to move to loose forward. On the bench Pat Carrigan (ankle) is replaced by debutant Kulikefu Finefeuiaki and the wounded and out-of-form pair of Ezra Mam and Gehamet Shibasaki are upgraded to Reece Walsh and Murray Taulagi, Walsh returning to the fold after his curious injury-cum-form exclusion from the first camp.
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui will play tonight following the death of his father Fereti, a former first-grade footballer, on Saturday.
NSW Team News:
Form and fitness has pressed Laurie Daley into six changes from the side that crept over the line in Origin I.
There’s a new pair of centres with Casey McLean injured (thigh) and Stephen Crichton (form & fitness). Tolu Koula moves in off the wing, replaced by newcomer Mark Nawaqanitawase, and Kotoni Staggs comes off the interchange with Jack Bostock becoming the utility back on the pine.
Mitch Moses has proven his fitness to start at five-eighth, while Payne Haas makes a welcome return in the front row, relegating Ethan Strange and Addin Fonua-Blake to the bench. The in-form Dylan Lucas is preferred to Haumole Olakau’atu in the second row, with the Manly man having to settle for the no 20 jersey.
Jacob Saifiti, Matt Burton, (dropped) and Blayke Brailey (broken arm) were in the 19 for Origin I but miss out tonight with Api Koroisau the second hooker at Daley’s disposal.
Queensland XIII
QLD: 1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Selwyn Cobbo, 3. Robert Toia, 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 5. Jojo Fifita, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Sam Walker, 8. Thomas Flegler, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11, Briton Nikora, 12. Kurt Capewell, 13. Reuben Cotter.
Interchange: 14. Max Plath, 15, Lindsay Collins, 16, Pat Carrigan, 17, Trent Loiero, 18. Reece Walsh, 19. Murray Taulagi,
Reserve: 20. Heilum Luki
NSW XIII
NSW: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Brian To’o, 3. Tolu Koula, 4. Kotoni Staggs, 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase, 6. Mitch Moses, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Payne Haas, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Mitch Barnett, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Dylan Lucas, 13. Isaah Yeo (capt).
Interchange: 14. Cameron Murray, 15. Victor Radley, 16. Addin Fonua-Blake, 17. Api Koroisau, 18. Ethan Strange, 19 Jack Bostock.
Reserve: 20. Haumole Olakau’atu
The G has welcomed Origin footy six times before, with NSW winning on five occasions. Victory tonight would give the Blues the shield and set them up for a crack at a first series sweep since 2000.
These sides first met in Melbourne in 1990, and most recently in 2024. On that occasion Mitch Moses guided the Blues to a 34-0 half-time lead on his way to the player of the match award.
Preamble
Jonathan Howcroft
Hello everybody and welcome to live coverage of men’s State of Origin Game 2. Kick-off between New South Wales and Queensland at the MCG is scheduled for 8.05pm AEST.
Origin I didn’t disappoint, living up to its billing as the pinnacle of Australian sport with a thrilling climax in Sydney.
Origin II has a lot to live up to, but a record crowd in excess of 90,000 is expected at the MCG, making it impossible for the contest not to be noteworthy.
The Maroons are playing catch-up, despite bossing the opening match until they were reduced to 12 men, so Billy Slater’s charges will feel they have a score to settle.
The Blues are much changed after a troubling opening hour of the series and look more formidable with the returning Payne Haas packing down in the front row.
I’ll be back with final team lists and more shortly. Please send me your emails and keep me company throughout the evening. The address is [email protected].
