New South Wales aims to clinch the State of Origin shield in Game II at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Queensland must win to force a decider in Brisbane after NSW's historic comeback in Game I, aided by Kalyn Ponga's send-off.
Cameron Munster has never won a State of Origin match in Melbourne, despite a decorated career with the Maroons. As Queensland faces a series decider, Munster has a final chance to break this duck in his adopted hometown, aiming to cement his legacy as a modern Queensland hero.
Casey McLean has been ruled out of the second State of Origin match due to a fresh leg injury sustained at NSW training. Uncapped player Mark Nawaqanitawase is a leading contender to replace him for the clash at the MCG.
Casey McLean, the youngest player in the State of Origin series, is making a rapid ascent in rugby league. The New South Wales rookie has achieved significant milestones early in his career, impressing teammates and coaches with his talent and dedication.
NSW drops Haumole Olakau'atu for State of Origin II, calls up Dylan Lucas for Blues debut
NSW Blues recall Mitchell Moses for State of Origin game 2 despite hamstring concerns, with Dolphins' Isaiya Katoa on standby; Payne Haas and Api Koroisau also join squad
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.
NSW coach Laurie Daley has given Mitchell Moses a deadline to prove his fitness for State of Origin Game 2, naming him in the squad despite a hamstring injury. The Blues lead the series 1-0. Queensland coach Billy Slater recalls Reece Walsh to the Maroons squad.
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.
Reece Walsh acknowledges his form hasn't met Queensland's State of Origin standards, accepting his omission from the squad. He vows to work harder for the Broncos to earn a recall.
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.
Parramatta Eels coach Jason Ryles expresses no concern over Mitchell Moses' hamstring issue, hopeful for his return against Canterbury after missing the Newcastle game; Blues coach Laurie Daley indicates Moses' selection for Game II pending his recovery.
NRL supports referee Ashley Klein's decision to send off Kalyn Ponga in State of Origin I for a shoulder charge
Hudson Young makes impactful start for NSW Blues in State of Origin series opener, contributing significantly to their 22-20 win over Queensland with a try, key passes, and a team-high 44 tackles.
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.
Kalyn Ponga expresses regret over his send-off in State of Origin I, feeling responsible for Queensland's 22-20 loss to NSW after a shoulder charge on Tolu Koula led to his ejection, though he avoids a ban with a $6,900 fine.
NSW Blues overcome a 20-6 deficit in the last 18 minutes to defeat Queensland Maroons 22-20 in State of Origin I, with James Tedesco's late try and Nathan Cleary's conversion securing the win after Kalyn Ponga's controversial send-off reduced the Maroons to 12 players.
NSW Blues recover from 20-0 deficit to beat Queensland 22-20 in State of Origin I, with Nathan Cleary scoring a try and kicking three goals, including the winner with a minute left.
NSW Blues overcome a 20-0 deficit to win State of Origin I 22-20, with James Tedesco scoring a dramatic late try; Queensland's Kalyn Ponga sent off for a shoulder charge, sparking controversy.
Blues coach Laurie Daley defends Nathan Cleary, stating his State of Origin record is unfairly judged and NSW's success relies on a team effort, not solely on Cleary, ahead of his 18th Origin game.
The NRL season is struggling with high-scoring, low-quality matches due to set restarts, but State of Origin may provide relief with its traditionally intense and strategic gameplay, despite concerns it could be impacted by the same rules.
Mitchell Moses will miss State of Origin Game I due to a minor hamstring tear sustained in training. Ethan Strange will debut at five-eighth for the NSW Blues, with coach Laurie Daley expressing confidence in the young player.
New South Wales playmaker Mitchell Moses is in doubt for the State of Origin opener due to a hamstring issue, prompting the call-up of Matt Burton. Ethan Strange is the likely replacement if Moses is ruled out.
The State of Origin rugby league series kicks off Wednesday in Sydney. Queensland are the reigning champions after winning the 2025 series.
