State of Origin returns for Game II tomorrow, and before the action gets underway, here is everything you need to know.
New South Wales pulled off the biggest comeback in Origin history in Game I to defeat Queensland, in one of the most thrilling and entertaining matches in Origin history.
After racing to a 20-0 lead after 21 minutes, the Maroons looked in complete control, but that would be the last of their points for the rest of the game.
Full-back Kalyn Ponga was then controversially sent off in the second half for a high tackle, which then allowed the Blues to overcome what was a 14-point deficit at that point.
They were able to do just that, but they left it to the final play of the game where, in the heavy rain, James Tedesco was able to catch a high ball and score to not only give the Blues the first win of the Series but also put a knife through the hearts of all Queensland fans at the same time.
All of that makes for an even more exciting Game II, which takes place tomorrow in Melbourne. So before that, here is everything you need to know about that game.
Sir Kevin Sinfield, play-off race heats up and who can stop Wigan Warriors? – Click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show.
How to watch State of Origin Game II as teams, referees, kick-off time and more confirmed
Where can I watch State of Origin Game II?
For UK fans, Game II will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Action, with the programme set to start at 10:ooam.
There will be just over an hour of build-up before kick-off comes at 11:10am.
Who is the referee?
Ashley Klein will take the whistle, as he did in Game I. There were plenty of calls for Klein, who is also an ex-Super League match official, to be relieved from Origin duties after his decision to send off Ponga, however those have not come to fruition and he will be the man in the middle on Wednesday morning.
Who are the favourites?
There is absolutely nothing to separate these two sides, with both teams having star quality littered all over the pitch. Bookmakers Betfred have tipped New South Wales ever so slightly, giving them a two-point handicap, but with Queensland rueing their Game I collapse, and the game being at a neutral venue, expect them to come out with a major response.
Have the teams been confirmed?
Yes, both sides have named their squads for tomorrow’s clash, with the late mail now in from both camps. The Blues’ big changes from Game I see half-back Mitchell Moses, prop Payne Haas, back rower Dylan Lucas and winger Mark Nawaqanitawase all join the side in the places of Ethan Strange, Addin Fonua-Blake, Haumaole Olakau’atu and Stephen Crichton respectively.
Strange and Fonua-Blake have dropped down to the bench, whilst both Crichton and back-up winger Casey McLean miss the game through injury.
Queensland have lost Patrick Carrigan, meaning Reuben Cotter moves to loose forward, Max Plath drops to the bench and Briton Nikora joins the back row. Ezra Mam and Gehamat Shibasaki have been replaced with Reece Walsh and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki on the interchange bench.
New South Wales: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Brian To’o, 3. Tolutau Koula, 4. Kotoni Staggs, 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase, 6. Mitchell Moses, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Payne Haas, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Mitchell Barnett, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Dylan Lucas, 13. Isaah Yeo
Bench: 14. Cameron Murray, 15. Victor Radley, 16. Addin Fonua-Blake, 17. Api Koroisau, 18. Ethan Strange, 19. Jack Bostock
Queensland: 1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Selywn Cobbo, 3. Robert Toia, 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 5. Jojo Fifita, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Sam Walker, 8. Thomas Flegler, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Kurt Capewell, 13. Reuben Cotter
Bench: 14. Max Plath, 15. Lindsay Collins, 16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, 17. Trent Loiero, 18. Reece Walsh, 19. Murray Tuilagi
