Overview

Game two of the 2024 Ampol State of Origin series will kick off at 8:05 pm AEST on June 26 at the MCG. This match is a must-win for NSW after the Queensland Maroons claimed victory in game one on June 5 in Sydney, in front of a packed Accor Stadium crowd. Both teams have made changes to their sides for game two.

NSW lost game one of the series 38-10, with James Tedesco and Zac Lomax scoring the only two tries for the Blues. Queensland dominated, outscoring NSW with six tries, including three from fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and two from halfback Ben Hunt. Despite the loss, the Blues managed to achieve a higher possession percentage of 53% compared to the Maroons’ 47%, and a higher completion rate of 81% compared to the Maroons’ 71%.

NSW Blues Team Changes

The Blues will be without Roosters centre/wing Joseph Suaalii, who will miss game two due to a suspension for a high hit in game one that led to the Maroons’ fullback being knocked out and Suaalii being sent off. Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell has been selected to replace Joseph Suaalii. Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards will replace James Tedesco for Wednesday’s game at the MCG and will make his Origin debut. Eels halfback Mitchell Moses has replaced Nicho Hynes. Additionally, Rabbitohs lock forward Cameron Murray will play his 14th Origin match in game two after missing game one, and Roosters player Connor Watson will make his Origin debut.

Queensland Maroons Team Changes

The Maroons aim to end NSW’s hopes of tying the 2024 Origin series by winning game two in Melbourne to seal the series. Slight changes have been made to the Maroons side. Broncos winger Selwyn Cobbo is not selected for game two and has been replaced by Warriors player Kurt Capewell. Eels player J’maine Hopgood is replaced by Dolphins second-rower Felise Kaufusi. Reece Walsh, who was concussed in game one, will play as fullback for the Maroons in game two.

Team Coaches:

• Michael Maguire (NSW Blues)
• Billy Slater (Queensland Maroons)

NSW Blues Squad (Game two)

1. Dylan Edwards
2. Brian To’o
3. Stephen Crichton
4. Latrell Mitchell
5. Zac Lomax
6. Jarome Luai
7. Mitchell Moses
8. Jake Trbojevic
9. Reece Robson
10. Payne Haas
11. Liam Martin
12. Angus Crichton
13. Cameron Murray
14. Connor Watson
15. Isaah Yeo
16. Haumole Olakau’atu
17. Spencer Leniu
18. Mitchell Barnett
19. Cameron McInnes
20. Luke Keary

Queensland Maroons Squad (Game two)

1. Reece Walsh
2. Xavier Coates (Melbourne Storm)
3. Valentine Holmes
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Tom Dearden
7. Daly Cherry-Evans (c)
8. Reuben Cotter
9. Ben Hunt
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Jaydn Su’A
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Patrick Carrigan
14. Harry Grant
15. Moeaki Fotuaika
16. Felise Kaufusi
17. Kurt Capewell
18. Dane Gagai
19. Heilum Luki
20. Trent Loiero

Conclusion

After making significant changes to their squad, the Blues will be eager to win game two, while the Maroons will attempt to end the Blues’ chances of forcing a decider in game three. It will be a tough game for both sides and one worth watching.

Feature Image: State of Origin game at MCG back in 2018. Photo by . Jason LC/C WikimediaCommons. Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.