2019 State of Origin – Queensland vs New South Wales Game II Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Queensland vs New South Wales taking place? Sunday 23rd June, 10:50 (UK)
Where is Queensland vs New South Wales taking place? Optus Stadium
What channel is Queensland vs New South Wales on?
UK – Sky Sports Arena
Australia – Nine
Where can I stream Queensland vs New South Wales?
UK – Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match via Sky Go
Australia – https://www.telstra.com.au/tv-movies-music/sports-offer
Where can I get tickets for Queensland vs New South Wales? https://tickets.nrl.com/origin
THE TEAM NEWS
QUEENSLAND
Head Coach: Kevin Walters
Starting 13: Ponga, Oates, Morgan, Chambers, Gagai, Munster, Cherry-Evans, Napa, Hunt, Papalii, Kaufusi, Gillett, McGuire Interchanges: Mbye, Wallace, Glasby, Fifita Reserves: Welsh, Norman, Capewell
- Queensland went 1-0 up as they claimed Game I in the 2019 State of Origin series as their bid to claim a 12th crown from the last 14 series got off to a great start with a solid display at Suncorp.
- The Maroons overcame an eight-point half-time deficit to produce a brilliant second half that saw them run out 18-14 winners as they deservedly claimed the spoils to go ahead in the series.
- Jai Arrow and Joe Ofahengaue have both been ruled out of Game II due to injuries and are replaced by Tim Glasby and Jarrod Wallace whilst Dylan Napa will play with a broken bone in his wrist.
NEW SOUTH WALES
Head Coach: Brad Fittler
Starting 13: Tedesco, Ferguson, T. Trbojevic, Wighton, Addo-Carr, Maloney, Cleary, Saifiti, Cook, Vaughan, Cordner, Frizell, J. Trbojevic Interchanges: Finucane, Sims, Murray, Graham Reserves: Matterson, Gutherson
- New South Wales have a mammoth task on to turn the 2019 State of Origin series around after succumbing to defeat in Game I as their poor record at Suncorp worsened despite leading 0-8 at the break.
- The under-par performance which resulted in the Blues losing the game has seen coach Brad Fittler make seven changes to his side with four of those changes performance based although David Klemmer, Nick Cotric and Payne Haas will miss out because of injuries.
- Wade Graham returns to the side after only just returning to the Cronulla side following an ACL injury and he is joined by Tariq Sims, James Maloney, Tom Trbojevic and Blake Ferguson whilst Daniel Saifiti and Dale Finucane will make their Origin debuts.
THE PREDICTION
Queensland outplayed New South Wales in Game I of the 2019 State of Origin series and their performance was rewarded with the win after a frustrating first half. That result has seen the Blues hit the panic button with coach Brad Fittler ringing the changes as he attempts to save the series. It is a bold tactic but has been met with derision in some quarters with his approach very questionable to say the least. That many changes during a series could unsettle his side and with some favourable match-ups for the Maroons as a result of those alterations, Queensland can secure the series in Perth.
