State of Origin Game 2 heads to the MCG with the series on the line, as Queensland look to respond after letting Game 1 slip, while New South Wales aim to seal the series. With star power across both sides and lingering tension from the opener, expect another fierce chapter in rugby league’s biggest rivalry.
Related
- See full State of Origin Game 2 coverage → /state-of-origin/2026-series/game-2/
- See full State of Origin Game 2 teams → state-of-origin-game-2-team-lists-2026
- See writer State of Origin Game 2 predictions → /state-of-origin-2026-game-2-expert-predictions/
Matchday Details
Wednesday June 17 – 8:05 PM (AEST) – Melbourne Cricket Ground
📺 Broadcast: Nine / Fox League (delay) / Kayo (delay)
Referee: Ashley Klein | Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
NSW Blues: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Brian To’o, 3. Tolutau Koula, 4. Kotoni Staggs, 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase, 6. Mitchell Moses, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Payne Haas, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Mitchell Barnett, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Dylan Lucas, 13. Isaah Yeo (c), 14. Cameron Murray, 15. Victor Radley, 16. Addin Fonua-Blake, 17. Apisai Koroisau, 18. Ethan Strange, 19. Jack Bostock, 20. Haumole Olakau’atu
QLD Maroons: 1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Selwyn Cobbo, 3. Robert Toia, 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 5. Jojo Fifita, 6. Cameron Munster (c), 7. Sam Walker, 8. Thomas Flegler, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Kurt Capewell, 13. Reuben Cotter, 14. Max Plath, 15. Lindsay Collins, 16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, 17. Trent Loiero, 18. Reece Walsh, 19. Murray Taulagi, 20. Heilum Luki
Match Preview
After a nail-biting and controversial conclusion to Game 1 of the 45th annual State of Origin series, it’s time to write another chapter in this storied battle between the bitter interstate rivals. Despite being named the home side and the game being billed as a neutral venue, the Blues will take the field at the MCG knowing they will be walking into an ambush in hostile territory against the Maroons.
The Maroons will view Game 1 as a result where they snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, having been on the receiving end of the biggest comeback in State of Origin history, courtesy of a moment of magic from inspirational fullback James Tedesco. They will have had plenty of time to reflect on what might have been, and coach Billy Slater will have his side ready and primed to respond.
The Blues have made several changes to the side that edged out victory in Sydney, recalling forward leader Payne Haas, hooker Apisai Koroisau, energetic back-rower Dylan Lucas, and experienced half Mitchell Moses as they attempt to seal the series before Game 3 in Brisbane. Winger Mark Nawaqanitawase will debut in place of Casey McLean, with Tolutau Koula shifting to the centres and Jack Bostock joining the extended bench.
The headline change for the Maroons is the absence of Patrick Carrigan, with Reuben Cotter shifting to lock. Queensland have also added a potential game-breaker to the bench, with Reece Walsh coming in for Ezra Mam.
But the all-important question remains: how do the sides stack up?
The middle forwards of both teams are among the best in the game, and neither pack is likely to take a backward step. The Blues boast a starting trio of Haas, Mitch Barnett, and Isaah Yeo, who will go head-to-head with Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Tom Flegler, and Cotter.
When the benches are introduced, the intensity won’t drop, with Cameron Murray, Victor Radley, and Addin Fonua-Blake matching up against Max Plath, Lindsay Collins, and Trent Loiero.
On the edges, the Blues will rely on the speed and skill of Hudson Young and debutant Dylan Lucas, while the Maroons counter with the experienced pairing of Briton Nikora and Kurt Capewell, along with impact from Kulikefu Finefeuiaki off the bench.
The speed and power of the outside backs will keep defences under constant pressure, with players like Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Kotoni Staggs capable of turning any opportunity into points. Jojo Fifita will benefit from his Game 1 experience and should look more comfortable at Origin level.
Both spines possess the ability to create points quickly. For Queensland, Kalyn Ponga, Cameron Munster, Sam Walker, and Harry Grant are at their most dangerous when playing on the front foot. If the Maroons can lay the platform, they will test the Blues’ defensive resilience.
For New South Wales, Nathan Cleary and Mitchell Moses provide elite game management, while James Tedesco’s support play remains a constant threat. Their ability to blend structured play with instinctive attacking football gives the Blues a strong advantage, and the impact of young talent Ethan Strange off the bench adds another attacking dimension.
Prediction
RLZ Tip: QLD by 10
Bold call: Kalyn Ponga to make amends for his “incident” in Game 1 and put in a man of the match performance.
