2025 State Of Origin Game Two: It’s Do Or Die For Queensland
The Queensland Maroons are under pressure to equalise the 2025 State Of Origin series ahead of Game Two at Optus Stadium in Perth tonight.
Following their poor showing in Game One, which saw Queensland defeated 18-6 on their home turf at Suncorp Stadium last month, it is imperative the mighty Maroons improve their performance to keep the state’s 2025 State Of Origin hopes alive.
New South Wales is on the way to seal a fourth straight Origin series win and Game Two is Queensland’s only chance to avoid another defeat. In the wake of last month’s crushing loss, Maroons coach Billy Slater has given the squad a shake-up for Game Two.
Captain and halfback Daly Cherry-Evans has been axed, replaced by Tom Dearden in the No. 7 jersey and Cameron Munster as captain. Titans second-rower Beau Fermor has also been dropped. Meanwhile, the embattled Ezra Mam has been selected as a reserve in the extended squad. Mam has played three NRL games since returning from a drunk-driving ban.
Slater’s decisions have been heavily criticised by experts and pundits for shifting from its ‘pick and stick’ culture and the controversial inclusion of Mam. Defending his decisions, Slater recognises the player changes – particularly the booting of DCE – won’t ensure victory.
“We want to play to our strengths,” Slater said.
“There were some areas in game one that we didn’t get right, so changing the No.7 jersey and the personnel there, it won’t fix everything. We need to look at game one and perform better.”
Blues coach Laurie Daly on the other hand has made few changes to the NSW squad from Game One. Jarome Luai has been called in to replace Mitchell Moses, who sustained a calf injury during training, and Max King will replace the injured Mitch Barnett.
In Game Two, Queensland can’t afford to rely on the Blues making an error like they did in Game One, with a single try scored by Xavier Coates in the second half. The onus is on Slater to light a fire under his squad for a determined win in Game Two, not just a lucky try. Queensland deserves better than that.
It’s been over a decade since Queensland dominated State Of Origin, when the Maroons won eight consecutive series from 2006-2013. Players on recent Maroons squads are a far cry from the legends of yore, like Alan Langer, Mal Meninga and the King himself, Wally Lewis. Few of today’s players possess the raw tenacity and combative spirit to rip victory from the jaws of defeat.
The Maroons’ dwindling performance begs the question: are they even still playing for state pride? State Of Origin players are reported to be paid $30, 000 per match, compared to their female counterparts in the women’s competition being paid half that. The only difference? The women actually win matches, which is what counts.
There was a time when rugby league players didn’t earn million-dollar pay packets and prosper from lucrative sponsorship deals. They played for the pride and honour of representing their state in a vicious and ongoing colonial rivalry. Today’s players have too long been afforded luxurious lifestyles that distract them from what the game of rugby league is all about: winning.
Queensland is on the brink of a fourth straight loss and State Of Origin is the ultimate zero-sum game. It’s like playing the Game Of Thrones – you win, or you die. For Queenslanders, those that still live for the art and thrill of the game, many would rather the latter than see the Blues take out yet another series.
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