Game preview

Before we get to game two we probably need to talk about game one. Qld were in complete control of the game and the outcome seemed obvious, until they weren't and it wasn't. There's no doubt the game turned following the Ponga send-off, and NSW got the result they probably didn't deserve. Cleary was especially quiet up until that point, and then sprung to life and owned the stage. He proved the difference, and those that say he needs to dominate at Origin to be recognised as a champion had to eat their words a little. Still, he did it against 12 men...a fair advantage there. 

Some line-up changes of course, with Qld replacing Carrigan with Finefeuiaki, Mam with Walsh, and Shibasaki with Taulagi. Plenty of new faces for NSW, with Haas, Moses, Koroisau, Lucas and Nawaqanitawase. Of those, Lucas is probably the big surprise, replacing Olakau'atu who did nothing wrong in game one and is probably the form backrower in the NRL right now. I'm not the first to point out that it's an unusual choice - perhaps coach Daley has a plan he's not sharing with us until he has to. If it backfires, the critics won't be shy about letting him know. NSW were dog ordinary in the first half of game one. They'll likely be better this time around, but they would need to be. Unfortunately for those of us hoping for a series equaliser, I fear they will. The MCG has been quite the graveyard for Qld teams. They've won there only once, and that was more than 30 years ago. Yikes. It's a tricky ground for the general play kickers and outside backs - the field being a square peg in a round hole. At least Sam Walker has played a few games with the Roosters at the SCG. Helps a bit. No joy in this and I'll be chuffed if I'm wrong, but

Verdict - NSW 24 to defeated Qld 16

Predicted first try scorer - Hudson Young

Predicted player of the match - James Tedesco

Registered tipsters are welcome to participate in our State of Origin tipping competition again this year. First prize is $50 cash. You can check out how it all works here.

Game details

Date: Wednesday 17th June 2026

Time: 8.05pm kick-off

Venue: MCG, Melbourne

 

Team list - Queensland Maroons*

1. Kalyn Ponga (Newcastle Knights)
2. Selwyn Cobbo (Redcliffe Dolphins)
3. Robert Toia (Sydney Roosters)
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Redcliffe Dolphins)
5. Jojo Fifita (Gold Coast Titans)
6. Cameron Munster (c) (Melbourne Storm)
7. Sam Walker (Sydney Roosters)
8. Thomas Flegler (Redcliffe Dolphins)
9. Harry Grant (Melbourne Storm)
10. Tino Fa'asumaleaui (Gold Coast Titans)
11. Briton Nikora (Cronulla Sharks)
12. Kurt Capewell (New Zealand Warriors)
13. Reuben Cotter (North Queensland Cowboys)
14. Max Plath (Redcliffe Dolphins)
15. Lindsay Collins (Sydney Roosters)
16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (Redcliffe Dolphins)
17. Trent Loiero (Melbourne Storm)
18. Reece Walsh (Brisbane Broncos)

19. Murray Taulagi (North Queensland Cowboys)

Team list - New South Wales Blues*

1. James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters)
2. Brian To'o (Penrith Panthers)
3. Tolotau Koula (Manly Sea Eagles)
4. Kotoni Staggs (Brisbane Broncos)
5. Mark Nawaqanitawase (Sydney Roosters)
6. Mitchell Moses (Parramatta Eels)
7. Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers)
8. Payne Haas (Brisbane Broncos)
9. Reece Robson (Sydney Roosters)
10. Mitchell Barnett (New Zealand Warriors)
11. Hudson Young (Canberra Raiders)
12. Dylan Lucas (Newcastle Knights)
13. Isaah Yeo (c) (Penrith Panthers)
14. Cameron Murray (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
15. Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters)
16. Addin Fonua-Blake (Cronulla Sharks)
17. Apisau Koroisau (Wests Tigers)
18. Ethan Strange (Canberra Raiders)
19. Jack Bostock (Redcliffe Dolphins)

*Team lists are subject to change and will be updated as soon as possible.