After the Maroons are written off by anyone and everyone who goes into the first game, they travel to Sydney to complete the Ampol State of Origin series.
The Blues led 10-0 at halftime in the opening game but failed to contain the Queenslanders in the second half and lost 18-14.
However, as Daly Cherry-Evans was quick to point out, the Maroons won their first game and lost the series last year. The work is far from over.
Maroon’s coach Wayne Bennett said he would see his troops pulled forward before making changes for a seven-day turn while NSW mentor Brad Fittler’s hand is forced by an injury.
The rundown
Team news
Blues: Captain Boyd Cordner will be disfellowshipped due to the effects of a headbutt on Wednesday night. Angus Crichton is the front runner.
Forward Cameron Murray was excluded from the remaining two games after suffering a thigh injury. Hooker Damien Cook advocated Nathan Brown’s fiery eel castle to replace him.
Fittler could also consider changes to the way he installs playmaker Cody Walker, who had limited time off the bench as NSW was chasing points. Captain Boyd Cordner suffered a head blow in the first game but passed his HIA and was able to return.
Maroons: Valentine Holmes could make his Origin comeback after missing the first game due to a suspension. Holmes is a successful goalscorer for Queensland and has not represented the state since 2018. Then he had an NFL stay.
The Maroons need a new full-back after AJ Brimson sustained a Lisfranc ligament injury to his foot towards the end of the first game.
Rabbitohs off the back Corey Allan is also available after suspension. Rookie winger Phillip Sami could be the unlucky man who gives way to Holmes. Bennett said he hopes center Brenko Lee (Kalb) will play right after being expelled late before the first game.
Kurt Capewell, one of the heroes of the first game in the center left, said he was okay despite a groin complaint that pushed him off when he died.
Key match
Dane Gagai versus Jack Wighton. Provided Gagai stays in the center-right of Queensland this will be another major clash. Gagai featured Wighton at the start of the series, including hitting him to break a line and make a try, so the NSW star will be desperate to remedy the situation.
Stat attack
NSW defeated Queensland in a variety of areas in their first game. They ran more meters (1914 v 1852), made more line breaks (4 v 3), broke more tackles (31 v 26), slammed more dumps (13 v 11), forced more dropouts (2 v 1), missed fewer duels ( 26 against 31), fewer mistakes (13 against 14) and fewer penalties (2 against 3). The Maroons had a higher completion rate (78 versus 75 percent) and did not have to complete as many tackles (355 versus 395).
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