State of Origin 2026 Game Two
The pressure is on the Queensland Maroons to equalise the 2026 State of Origin series ahead of game two tonight.
After a surprise loss in game one following Kalyn Ponga being sidelined for an alleged dangerous tackle, the Maroons and their fans are baying for blood.
Tonight’s match takes place on neutral ground at the MCG in Melbourne, where a win for the Maroons will be essential to keep the State of Origin series alive.
There is secrecy from the Maroons camp surrounding Reece Walsh and how coach Billy Slater plans to use him on and off the field. Walsh was excluded from selection in game one but has been named as part of the extended squad for game two.
Meanwhile, Queensland forward Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is confirmed to take the field tonight following the death of his father. Tino travelled from Queensland to Melbourne to rejoin his teammates, with assistant coach Matt Ballin saying the whole squad is rallying around him.
Blues star Nathan Cleary will also play despite carrying a hip injury, as reported by the Sydney Morning Herald. Cleary sustained the injury in the first 15 minutes of game one when he collided with teammate Addin Fonua-Blake.
Queensland will also be battling to break the dreaded MCG hoodoo that has plagued the team for more than 30 years. The Blues hold a dominant 5-1 record of defeating the Maroons at the MCG. The team will be channelling the incredible feats of Fatty Vautin’s 1995 ‘Neville Nobodies’ squad, which remains one of Origin’s great underdog victories.
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Game two will again be refereed by Ashley Klein, whose historic gambling problem was brought to light this week. Klein has the support from both Billy Slater and Laurie Daly to referee tonight’s match.
Pundits are predicting a tight match for game two, but all eyes are on Queensland for a historic victory in Melbourne. The Blues will undoubtedly be playing to bring a swift 2-0 end to this year’s hotly contested series.
A win tonight for the Blues means the coveted State of Origin title goes back to New South Wales for the first time since 2021.
Both teams are playing for their lives tonight, promising 80 minutes of high-intensity football that will decide the 2026 State of Origin series.
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