Ethan Strange is slated to play in the back-row off the interchange bench for the NSW Blues in State of Origin II. Coach Laurie Daley intends to utilize Strange's strengths as a strong runner of the ball.
Queensland captain Cameron Munster believes Tino Fa'asuamaleaui will honor his late father, Fereti, in State of Origin II. Fa'asuamaleaui rejoined the Maroons camp after his father's passing from cancer, with Munster drawing parallels to his own experience losing his father during the 2022 series.
NSW drops Haumole Olakau'atu for State of Origin II, calls up Dylan Lucas for Blues debut
NSW loses Stephen Crichton to shoulder injury for State of Origin II; Mitchell Moses's hamstring injury puts his participation in doubt, with Isaiya Katoa on standby.
Queensland coach Billy Slater anticipates no issues between Cameron Munster and Kalyn Ponga in camp despite their on-field melee, and justifies Reece Walsh's recall to the bench for State of Origin II amid the Broncos' losing streak.
Pat Carrigan and Gehamat Shibasaki, both of Queensland and the Brisbane Broncos, have been ruled out of State of Origin II due to injuries sustained in recent matches. Carrigan faces 3-4 weeks out with a syndesmosis injury, while Shibasaki will miss 5-6 weeks with a grade two MCL injury, sidelining him for the rest of the series.
Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater remains non-committal on Reece Walsh's potential State of Origin II recall after a narrow 22-20 loss to NSW, despite Walsh's omission from Origin I. The series' fate hangs in the balance ahead of game two in Melbourne.
Queensland opts to name a squad, rather than a final line-up, for Women's State of Origin II, with NSW expected to hand a debut to powerful Roosters forward Rima Butler.
