New South Wales vs Queensland Preview & Prediction | 2024 State of Origin | Game 2
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The 12 men of New South Wales were no match for Queensland in Game 1 and the pressure will be on here as they attempt to keep the series alive. Michael Maguire has made plenty of changes to the make-up of his side in the hope of stopping the Maroons in Melbourne.
START DATE/TIME: UK - Wednesday 26th June, 2024 - 11:05a / AUS - 8:05p / US EST - 5:05a / US PST - 2:05a
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: This match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Arena in the UK / This match will be broadcast live on Nine in Australia / This match will be broadcast live on Fox Sports in the US
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: This match will be streamed live on Watch NRL and Sky Go in the UK / This match will be streamed live on 9Now in Australia / This match will be streamed live on Watch NRL in the US
NEW SOUTH WALES FORM: BLUES NEED IMPROVED PERFORMANCE
Although they were clearly impacted by Joseph Sua’ali’i’s early red card, the Blues looked like they were going to struggle to contain the Maroons in the opening exchanges with NSW now losing four of the past five matchups between the two teams.
QUEENSLAND FORM: MAROONS CONTINUE TO DOMINATE
The Maroons have been brilliant under Billy Slater and his side got the better of their counterparts once again to open the lead in the series and they are now on the cusp of a third consecutive series success.
NEW SOUTH WALES TEAM NEWS: MAJOR CHANGES FOR BLUES WITH MITCHELL BACK
Sua’ali’i drops out owing to the suspension he copped for his Game 1 red card with Latrell Mitchell making his Origin comeback in the centres. Dylan Edwards will make his bow for the Blues having succumbed to injury just before the opening clash with James Tedesco making way while Connor Watson and Mitch Moses also come into the side.
STARTING 13: 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 Bench: 14. Connor Watson 15. Isaah Yeo 16. Haumole Olakau'atu 17. Spencer Leniu Reserves: 18. Mitchell Barnett 19. Cameron McInnes 20. Luke Keary
QUEENSLAND TEAM NEWS: WALSH BACK FROM BRUTAL SHOT
Reece Walsh has retained his place at fullback despite having to sit out since his head knock in Game 1. J’maine Hopgood is injured so drops out of the side with Felise Kaufusi joining the bench while Kurt Capewell is also back in the 17 having replaced Selwyn Cobbo.
STARTING 13: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Xavier Coates 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Reuben Cotter 9. Ben Hunt 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Jaydn Su'a 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Patrick Carrigan Bench: 14. Harry Grant 15. Moeaki Fotuaika 16. Felise Kaufusi 17. Kurt Capewell Reserves: 18. Dane Gagai 19. Heilum Luki 20. Trent Loiero
NEW SOUTH WALES VS QUEENSLAND PREDICTION
There were some raised eyebrows regarding the make-up of the New South Wales side for Game 1 but they appear to have a much better chance of competing in this pivotal contest, on paper at least. Michael Maguire has made two changes in the spine while adding another option to his bench too. However, Queensland have proven to be tough to beat in recent matches between the two and have the momentum behind them so it is difficult to side against them. The Blues should be much more competitive here but preference is with the Maroons to get the job done and seal the series.
NEW SOUTH WALES VS QUEENSLAND TIP: QUEENSLAND TO WIN
