NRL State of Origin, Game 2
Queensland Maroons vs. NSW Blues
Head-To-Head
It’s do or die for the New South Welshmen in Game 2 of State of Origin as they look to keep the series alive at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night.
As Brad Fittler’s men prepare for battle in enemy territory, the market has sent its own message of low expectations, with the Blues as long as $2.90 compared to the Maroons at $1.42.
They’ve made significant changes from the team that went down 26-18 in the series opener in Adelaide, with Damien Cook, Keaon Koloamatangi, Mitchell Moses, Reece Robson, and Stefano Utoikamanu all coming into the squad.
Moses will fill the No. 7 jersey made available via an injured Nathan Cleary, while Cook returns after being overlooked in Game 1 and snapping his 15-straight Origin appearances. Moses won the role ahead of Cronulla’s Nicho Hynes, who has subsequently been omitted from the side following a 10-minute burst in Origin 1 that he’d rather forget. Robson and Utoikamanu will make their debut, while Koloamatangi has been named as the 19th man.
Panthers star, Latrell Mitchell, has once again been ruled out after failing to recover from a calf injury and will be replaced in the starting side by Stephen Crichton.
While their first-up comeback victory was the stuff of fairytales, the Maroons haven’t been without their own issues post-game, with Tom Gilbert (shoulder), Jai Arrow (ankle) and Selwyn Cobbo (hip) all out with injuries.
There is positive news, however, for Billy Slater ahead of this crunch game, with North Queensland’s Jeremiah Nanai back after missing the series opener due to suspension. The star second-rower has turned up for the Cowboys in meaningful contests this season, scoring against the Broncos, Titans and Storm.
Moeaki Fotuaika and Xavier Coates will also come into the side as the Maroons try to maintain their dominance over the Blues at Suncorp Stadium and close out the series in just two games.
With players the ilk of Cleary, Mitchell and Koroisau all missing from the Blues’ outfit, it’s hard to see them making many inroads in this one. Even though the Maroons have their injury concerns, the inclusion of Nanai and Coates should ensure they leave Suncorp with the 2023 Origin title in tow.
