New South Wales vs Queensland Preview & Prediction | 2026 State of Origin | Game 2
Playing host to game two of the Origin Series will be the world-famous MCG as North South Wales aim to build on their historic comeback in game one by finishing Queensland off with a game to spare.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / Australia – Channel Nine & 9Now / USA – Channel 7 & Fox Sports
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / Australia – Channel Nine & 9Now digital platforms / USA – Fox Sports digital platforms
New South Wales team news
Jack Bostock has been called up by New South Wales following a quad injury suffered by Casey McLean which rules him out of game two. Blayke Brailey is also out injured but in more positive news, both Payne Haas and Mitchell Moses are back fit and available.
Squad: James Tedesco, Brian To'o, Tolutau Koula, Kotoni Staggs, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Mitchell Moses, Nathan Cleary, Payne Haas, Reece Robson, Mitchell Barnett, Hudson Young, Dylan Lucas, Isaah Yeo, Cameron Murray, Victor Radley, Addin Fonua-Blake, Apisai Koroisau, Ethan Strange, Jack Bostock, Haumole Olakau'atu
Queensland team news
Both Murray Taulagi and Reece Walsh are expected to be fit for Queensland, who are missing Pat Carrigan and Gehamat Shibasaki with ankle and knee injuries respectively.
Squad: Kalyn Ponga, Selwyn Cobbo, Robert Toia, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jojo Fifita, Cameron Munster, Sam Walker, Thomas Flegler, Harry Grant, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Briton Nikora, Kurt Capewell, Reuben Cotter, Max Plath, Lindsay Collins, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Trent Loiero, Reece Walsh, Murray Taulagi, Heilum Luki
New South Wales vs Queensland prediction
The Queensland Maroons may still be reeling after the first match of this year’s State of Origin Series, which saw the largest comeback in Origin history as New South Wales came back from 20-0 down to register an incredible victory, utilising a man advantage to reel off 22 straight points following the sending off of Queensland full-back Kalyn Ponga.
However, this Queensland team shouldn’t be written off when you consider the brilliant NRL players within their squad and the experience which allows them to bounce back from such a tough loss. It’s important not to forget that they were dominating New South Wales before the red card and it would be no surprise to see them do it again.
On a stage like the MCG, we should see the best of this Queensland side and with their backs against the wall, expect a big performance from them. Back the Maroons to level the series and force a rubber-match in Brisbane.
New South Wales vs Queensland tip: Queensland to win
