Key events
The G has welcomed Origin footy six times before, with NSW winning on five occasions. Victory tonight would give the Blues the shield and set them up for a crack at a first series sweep since 2000.
These sides first met in Melbourne in 1990, and most recently in 2024. On that occasion Mitch Moses guided the Blues to a 34-0 half-time lead on his way to the player of the match award.
Preamble
Jonathan Howcroft
Hello everybody and welcome to live coverage of men’s State of Origin Game 2. Kick-off between New South Wales and Queensland at the MCG is scheduled for 8.05pm AEST.
Origin I didn’t disappoint, living up to its billing as the pinnacle of Australian sport with a thrilling climax in Sydney.
Origin II has a lot to live up to, but a record crowd in excess of 90,000 is expected at the MCG, making it impossible for the contest not to be noteworthy.
The Maroons are playing catch-up, despite bossing the opening match until they were reduced to 12 men, so Billy Slater’s charges will feel they have a score to settle.
The Blues are much changed after a troubling opening hour of the series and look more formidable with the returning Payne Haas packing down in the front row.
I’ll be back with final team lists and more shortly. Please send me your emails and keep me company throughout the evening. The address is jonathan.howcroft.freelance@theguardian.com.
