Squads named for State of Origin Game II

New South Wales and Queensland have both confirmed their squads for Wednesday’s State of Origin Game II at ANZ Stadium (KO 9:10am UK time).

Despite being major underdogs, the Maroons shocked the rugby league world last Wednesday, coming from behind to claim an 18-14 win with tries from rookie duo AJ Brimson and Xavier Coates, and star stand-off Cameron Munster.

It was a huge disappointment for the Blues who, despite a strong start, fell flat in attack and struggled to break down their opponents.

New South Wales

Luke Keary is axed from the starting side by Brad Fittler after struggling to have an impact in Game I. He’s replaced by Cody Walker, with Dale Finucane coming onto the bench. There are two other enforced changes, with Boyd Cordner and Cameron Murray ruled out through injury, meaning Parramatta’s Nathan Brown and Penrith’s Isaah Yeo will make their Origin debuts.

Squad: 1 James Tedesco (c), 2 Daniel Tupou, 3 Clint Gutherson, 4 Jack Wighton, 5 Josh Addo-Carr, 6 Cody Walker, 7 Nathan Cleary, 8 Daniel Saifiti, 9 Damien Cook, 10 Payne Haas, 11 Angus Crichton, 12 Tyson Frizell, 13 Jake Trbojevic. Subs: 14 Dale Finucane, 15 Junior Paulo, 16 Nathan Brown, 17 Isaah Yeo.

Queensland

Wayne Bennett makes four changes, including the return of Valentine Holmes, who was suspended for Game I. He replaces AJ Brimson, who will miss the rest of the series with a foot injury. Elsewhere, Jaydn Su’A starts in the back row for Coen Hess, Dunamis Lui will debut at prop and Moeaki Fotuaika will make his first appearance from the bench. Kurt Capewell has been named to start in the centres, after being drafted in as a late replacement for Brenko Lee last Wednesday.

Squad: 1 Valentine Holmes, 2 Xavier Coates, 3 Kurt Capewell, 4 Dane Gagai, 5 Phillip Sami, 6 Cameron Munster, 7 Daly Cherry-Evans (c), 8 Dunamis Lui, 9 Jake Friend, 10 Josh Papalii, 11 Felise Kaufusi, 12 Jaydn Su’A, 13 Tino Fa’asuamaleaui. Subs: 14 Ben Hunt, 15 Lindsay Collins, 16 Jai Arrow, 17 Moeaki Fotuaika.