Blistering Blues win State of Origin Game 2 to level up the series

NSW has produced a scarcely believable first half of Origin football, marching to a commanding win to level up the series.

State of Origin Game 2 has been run and won and it was the Blues streaking away with a stunning 38-18 triumph to level the series at 1-1.

Entering the game in danger of a third straight series defeat after a 38-10 belting in Game 1, NSW flipped the script in an extraordinary, record-breaking first half at a packed MCG.

After the opening 40 minutes, the sides headed to the dressing rooms with the Blues leading by the barely believable score of 34-0.

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The previous halftime record was 21-0 by the Maroons way back in Game 3 of the 1983 series, a game they would win 43-22.

The Blues’ highest first-half score was in Game 1 of the 2002 series, a paltry 21-4 in comparison to this demolition.

NSW now has a chance to replicate its side from exactly 30 years ago, which dropped the opening game in Sydney before bouncing back to win the final two games in Melbourne and Brisbane to claim the 1994 series.

Under-pressure NSW coach Michael Maguire made five changes to his side from Game 1 and it worked to perfection, with the likes of man of the match Mitchell Moses, Latrell Mitchell and debutant Dylan Edwards all playing key roles in the victory.

Attention now turns to Game 3 on July 17 at Suncorp Stadium.

Read on to see how all the action unfolded on a crazy night in front of 90,084 fans at the MCG (all times AEST).

Mitchell Moses and Zac Lomax. Photos: Getty Images

11.11pm – Madge knows the job’s not done

NSW coach Michael Maguire couldn’t wipe the smile off his face in the Blues room after the match.

“It was great mate, great for the state of NSW,” he told Channel 9. “It was an interesting first game, but I knew that was in us.

“That second half we probably lost our way a little bit, but the way they played the first 20 (minutes) really set us up.”

While the Blues were never in danger of dropping this match, they did lose the second half 18-4.

Maguire says there are still elements to work on if his NSW side is to rebound from the Game 1 defeat and claim the series at Suncorp Stadium.

“We’ve still got a bit of work to do, probably work on the discipline,” he said. “We lost our way a little bit in the second half.

“I can’t wait (for Game 3). It’s been done before. I’ve talked to a lot of the old boys and we can go up there and create a little history.

“The first half is how we want to play, I guess it’s doing that for 80 minutes.”

Maguire’s Game 2 changes were validated in emphatic fashion. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

10.51pm – Talking points aplenty from Game 2

There have been a number of talking points from a breathtaking 80 minutes of football.

Two second-half sin bins beggared belief in such a physical contest, with both sides reduced to 12 men over a stoush that began with a simple head rub, of all things.

Meanwhile, Queensland great Darren Lockyer was left concerned about possible psychological damage the Blues had inflicted on his state.

“They’ll be semi embarrassed after tonight,” Lockyer added at full-time.

“They will go (to Brisbane), their tail between their legs tonight. They will go there with a different attitude.

“They will play for the crowd, but the crowd’s not going to get them there on their own.”

And pre-match, fans were left far less than impressed by Temper Trap’s performance as the Melbourne band wheeled out a 16-year-old hit.

10.33pm – More Blues gush over the performance

Zac Lomax’s head was spinning after his starring role in the victory.

“It was unbelievable to be a part of,” he said. “We’ve still got one to go, but it’s a feeling I can’t explain.

“We’ve got one to go and I’m absolutely pumped.”

Angus Crichton was also asked about the physical approach from the Blues and his link up with Latrell Mitchell.

“That’s what Origin’s about, those big collisions and big pressure moments,” he said.

“We backed it up and know we need to work on it for the next game.

“I’m so happy for the big fella (Mitchell). He’s a freak when he gets going, there’s an aura about him.”

10.24pm – Attention turns to Game 3

Suncorp Stadium is going to be rocking on July 17 with Queenslanders demanding their side shows a vastly superior effort in the decider.

“The series is alive and Suncorp is waiting,” Mat Thompson said.

A number of Blues have spoken after a game that shattered the record books in the opening 40 minutes, including Stephen Crichton.

“Overwhelmed,” Crichton told Channel 9. “What a game from the boys. We prepared all week and knew it was going to be a hard game.

“I don’t want to think about (Game 3) too much, we’ve still got a few weeks to go, but we knew that was do or die for us.”

10.10pm – Latrell credits the “Blue wall”

Latrell Mitchell was asked about the effort after full-time, including the defensive performance in the first half that resulted in just two missed tackles.

“We dedicated ourselves to defending and having a ‘Blue wall’ and it’s really good to see how the week played out,” he said.

“You know what, I’m honestly not making it about myself, it’s about everyone here in blue jerseys, blue shirts.”

Dylan Edwards was also in dreamland.

“It’s a bloody dream come true,” he said. “I still have to pinch myself.”

10.04pm – It’s all over

The full-time whistle has blown and the Blues have finished off an impressive 38-18 triumph to send the series to Queensland for a decider on July 17.

Michael Maguire has been vindicated after his five changes to the side from Game 1, with the Blues blown away 38-10 in that match.

Halfback Mitchell Moses excelled, while Latrell Mitchell also justified his return to Origin footy.

“Any doubts on Latrell’s thirst for Origin has been put to bed tonight,” Mat Thompson said.

“He belongs at this level, there’s no doubt.”

Andrew Johns was also impressed by Mitchell’s efforts.

“Defensively he’s read the play really well, tackled really well,” he added.

Latrell Mitchell (right) excelled on his return to the Origin arena. Photo: Michael Klein

9.53pm – Maroons get another one

There was some talk of an obstruction from Queensland skipper Daly Cherry-Evans, but the officials waved that off and Murray Taulagi has scored the Maroons’ third try.

In an infinitely better second-half effort, the Maroons have an 18-4 edge to date, trailing 38-18 overall with 10 minutes left.

Queensland great Cameron Smith was asked if this result can have repercussions for the deciding game in Brisbane.

“For the Blues it does, absolutely. For the Maroons it’s almost a write off,” Smith said.

“Thirty-four points to nil (at halftime), it’s almost a write-off. Incredible. Incredible.”

9.45pm – Blues put a pin in that

Just when the Queenslanders looked like they were on a roll, the Blues have struck back.

This time it was debutant Dylan Edwards crossing the line, a popular tryscorer on debut after injury ruined his shot at playing in Game 1.

“I think everyone in rugby league was looking forward to him playing at this level,” Andrew Johns said.

Another debutant, versatile Rooster Connor Watson, has just come on for his first taste of the action with the Blues now leading 38-12.

9.39pm – Did someone say … comeback?

The Maroons are in again, with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow continuing his remarkable try-scoring streak in Queensland colours.

The man known as the “Hammer”, who looked like he wouldn’t see out the game after a first-half shoulder injury, has crossed for the Queenslanders.

“That’s better. That’s a lot better,” Darren Lockyer said.

A second Holmes conversion has the score 38-12 after 60 minutes.

The Maroons briefly threatened to make a comeback, with Valentine Holmes (left) crossing for a try. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

9.34pm – Blue floodgates finally close

It took 54 minutes but the Maroons are on the board.

Valentine Holmes finally got over the line after a glut of Queensland possession, ending a run of six straight NSW tries.

Holmes then converted his own try to make it 34-6 after 57 minutes.

While the result appears settled, the Queenslanders can lay down a marker for Game 3 by getting the best of NSW in this second half.

“They’ll get some energy and some confidence out of that try, but they need to build on it,” Queensland great Darren Lockyer said.

“They’ve been on the back foot all night and they need to get some momentum back.”

9.27pm – Flare ups hit the MCG

We’ve got through 10 minutes of the second half and thankfully for the Maroons, they haven’t conceded any more points.

But both sides are losing their cool over the staggering events that have unfolded.

There have already been two confrontations, with the Blues bolting into the second melee after a Queensland error.

“The tension is boiling over. (Liam) Martin wanted to make sure Queensland knew all about that error,” Mat Thompson said.

“The Blues are not going to take a backward step.”

Martin has been sent to the sin bin by referee Ashley Klein over a head rub.

“You go to the bin for that? Come on,” Cameron Smith said.

Patrick Carrigan has now followed him, with both sides down to 12 players for the next 10 minutes.

Plenty of push and shove has been the highlight of the opening minutes of the second half. Picture: Mark Stewart

9.21pm – Greatest Origin half ever?

State of Origin is typically a tight, physical affair so a 34-0 halftime score makes for ridiculous reading.

The previous halftime record was 21-0 by the Maroons way back in Game 3 of the 1983 series, a game they would win 43-22.

The Blues’ highest first-half score was in Game 1 of the 2002 series, a paltry 21-4 in comparison to this demolition.

“It wasn’t a great first half for us,” Billy Slater told Channel 9 ahead of the second half in one of the great understatements ever made. “We need to start again.

“The amount of possession the opposition had was incredible. Not much you can say.”

The crowd has just witnessed something very special from NSW. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Not surprisingly, Michael Maguire was beaming, while trying to keep his players’ minds on the task ahead in the second half.

“We’ve just got to keep at it now, do exactly the same, have the same mentality we just did,” he said.

“It’s nice to see them go out there and do what we’ve been talking about.”

8.58pm – “The Blues are having a party”

The commentators are scrambling for superlatives after an extraordinary first half from Michael Maguire’s side.

“It’s impeccable. The kicking has been incredible in this first half,” Cam Smith said.

“The kicking game has pretty much shut the Queenslanders out of this first half.”

Andrew Johns was even more effusive after Zac Lomax got over the line for his second try and NSW’s sixth in the 38th minute.

“I’ve never seen anything like this at this level,” Johns said in a huge call from the Immortal.

“The Blues are having a party and this comes down to fatigue.”

Lomax nailed another conversion from the sideline and the whistle has sounded on a shut-out 34-0 advantage.

“The record books say that’s the greatest half Origin has ever witnessed,” Mat Thompson added.

8.50pm – An avalanche has struck the MCG

It’s now five first-half tries for NSW in one of the most dominant 40 minutes of action State of Origin has ever seen.

Latrell Mitchell is the latest to get over the tryline, pushing the score out to a scarcely believable 28-0 lead through 35 minutes of action.

“Latrell Mitchell, back in the big time. It is an avalanche,” Mat Thompson screamed.

“Extraordinary. Absolutely extraordinary.”

The Blues are dominating Game 2 at the MCG. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

8.41pm – Possible injury to insult for Queensland

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has picked up a shoulder injury in the opening minutes of the match and is in huge strife.

“Huge news for Queensland,” Danika Mason reported on Channel 9. “Hammer has succumbed to that shoulder injury. He’s currently off the field.

“He’s gone straight into the sheds with medical staff. They’re assessing him to see if he will return. We’ll update you if we do know.”

In the meantime, the Blues avalanche has continued, with Brian To’o getting on the end of a perfectly weighted Mitch Moses grubber to touch down in the corner.

“They’ve got another one. The Blues are running rampant at the MCG.

Lomax slotted the conversion, 22-0 NSW after 28 minutes.

8.37pm – Lomax gets in on the action

Blues fans are in dreamland. Zac Lomax has just taken a soaring grab over Murray Taulagi that would make the AFL’s best high-flyers proud to score a third try for NSW.

Lomax had to settle himself to attempt the conversion, with his kick from the right touchline missing to the right hand side. 16-0 NSW.

“This is a flawless start from the Blues,” Mat Thompson said in commentary.

Lomax’s awesome grab. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

8.33pm – Blues are in again

This is now officially a strong start from NSW as the Blues try to level the series.

With 64 per cent of possession so far, they have turned that into two tries and a 12-0 lead through the first 22 minutes.

“They have been absolutely relentless and their kicking game has been perfect,” Brad Fittler said.

“On the back of that, their kicking game has been perfect. Forced two restarts and a tackle one metre out. They’ve been backing their attack up with perfect kicks. That’s where the pressure comes from.”

8.22pm – Blues get the scoring underway

After a mountain of pressure and repeat sets of six, the Blues are on the scoreboard first.

Mitch Moses held a pass before finding Liam Martin, who broke through the Queensland defence to score under the posts.

“They had to come away with points there after so much possession,” Cameron Smith said in commentary.

Zac Lomax nailed the easiest of conversions, 6-0 NSW.

Liam Martin of the Blues celebrates after scoring the opening try. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

8.16pm – Cagey start from both teams

Just over seven minutes into the action and both sides have moved the ball around in attack without any real impact.

Stephen Crichton made a bullocking run down the right win, trampling over some Queenslanders along the way, before attempting a miracle pass to Zac Lomax that found the turf.

“Fairly even start, both sides fairly conservative,” Andrew Johns said in commentary.

The Blues have just got a penalty for a high shot on Crichton, giving them great field position.

Mitchell Moses gets a kick away early in Game 2. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

8.09pm – The game is underway!

We’re off and running at the MCG.

Can the Maroons wrap up the series or will the Blues force a decider in Brisbane on July 17?

8.02pm – An NBA favourite delivers the game ball

As the 8.05pm kick-off appears more and more optimistic, NBA champion Patty Mills delivered the game ball donning a Maroons jumper.

It followed fellow Aussie basketball royalty Lauren Jackson’s interview earlier in the broadcast, when the proud Albury native wore a Blues jumper

7.58pm – Pre-match entertainment falls flat

Sport’s pre-match build-ups regularly get slated by fans, with broadcasters often missing the mark when it comes to firing up the fans ahead of big games.

Temper Trap wheeling out their 2008 hit Sweet Disposition ahead of Game 2 at the MCG has largely been no exception.

“Yep temper trap firing up absolute no one,” was one reaction on X.

“Sorry but I don’t rate temper trap as a stadium act. For me it always leaves me flat when I see them on the pre-match entertainment,” wrote another.

“The Temper Trap. Really? Is it 2006? AFL and now NRL ignoring the hundreds of newer artists in the past 15 years,” added a third.

There were a few supportive comments, although they were significantly shouted down by the haters.

“The Temper Trap! Highlight of the Origin series,” was one comment.

“Temper trap slaps,” wrote another.

7.36pm – Mitchell opens up on the hatred he faces

Latrell Mitchell has opened up on his reputation among footy fans ahead of his return to State of Origin.

The explosive Rabbitoh is back for his first game for the Blues since 2021 and knows he rubs some people the wrong way.

A regular at the NRL Judiciary, the 27-year-old says he has struggled to prevent off-field issues surfacing when he pulls on the boots.

“I just feel like a lot of people hate me and they don’t know me,” he told Channel 9.

“I think a lot of people hate me for being the villain all the time so they shut the door on me for who I am as a person.

“I’ve learned a lot from situations being young and being taken advantage of.

“The way I act on the field is a bit of frustration coming from off the field.

“These short acts of anger build up. If people just shut up and let me play, I’d probably be amazing.”

Latrell Mitchell has opened up about the hatred he faces ahead of Game 2. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Mitchell, who has proudly defended his Aboriginal heritage in the face of a number of racially-based incidents, said he had considered retiring before the 2024 season.

“I was probably giving it up this year to be honest,” he said. “I didn’t want to go through another year of heartbreak.

“All I’ve ever done is stuck up for my people and stuck up for my family.”

7.18pm – Moses insists he’s ready to go

Returning NSW halfback Mitch Moses won’t be kicking for goal, as was originally planned and as we wrote about earlier in the blog below.

But he has allayed any fears about his surgically repaired left foot and knows his kicking game in general play will be crucial.

“Yeah I’m 100 per cent fit, the foot is probably the best it’s felt since I’ve come back from injury,” he said on Channel 9.

“I had a little kick yesterday, just seeing my surroundings and getting used to that.

“I’ll go out there soon and see what the wind’s doing, just swirling around a bit, kicking game will need to be good tonight.”

Queenslander Patrick Carrigan also had a quick chat with the network as part of the pre-game build-up and was asked whether wrapping up the series had been part of their preparations.

“Not really, it’s going to be an exciting atmosphere at the MCG and the boys are ready to go,” he said.

“It’ll be a big game in the middle, always is, and we’re looking forward to it.”

6.57pm – Enormous interest in the NSW fullback

Heading into this year’s series, James Tedesco was the incumbent NSW skipper and had played 22 consecutive matches for his state.

That was all set to change when debutant coach Michael Maguire opted for Dylan Edwards as his No. 1 for Game 1.

An Edwards quad injury in training then ruined those plans, with Tedesco brought straight back in to continue his games played streak.

A 28-point NSW loss in Game 1 then forced Maguire into five changes for Game 2, including giving Edwards another shot.

A game breaker capable of racking up hundreds of metres with ball in hand, the three-time premiership winner from the Panthers has a chance to show if he can replicate that form in the cauldron of Origin footy.

Dylan Edwards finally gets a shot in the NSW No. 1 jumper. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

6.21pm – Myles opens up on Suaalii spray

Former Queensland enforcer and current assistant coach Nate Myles drew some of the biggest headlines from Game 1 over a sideline spray directed at Joseph Suaalii.

Like the rest of the Maroons, Myles didn’t take kindly to Suaalii’s hit on Reece Walsh and told him so in a sledge reported at the time as “enjoy your f**king debut” as the Roosters centre left the field.

Myles was warned but ultimately went unpunished for the spray and he was asked about the incident on SEN radio on Wednesday.

“It’s a bit of a funny one, I’m a little bit disappointed that people would think that I swear at an upstanding citizen of the game,” Myles said.

“I’m a very big fan of Joseph’s game, he’s a very physical player, he’s a big lad, he’s very athletic and he likes the tough stuff.

“Everyone knows his style of footy is that way, he’s a very honest footballer. I just wanted to be honest with him and just let him quietly know how his performance was.”

Nate Myles blasted Suaalii after he was sent off.

5.55pm – What time is Origin Game 2 kick-off?

Queensland vs NSW Game 2 is scheduled to kick-off at 8.05pm AEST at the MCG.

It’s also worth mentioning that punctuality isn’t always rugby league’s forte.

With the pre-match entertainment, including the singing of the national anthem and the traditional Welcome to Country, it's not uncommon for the actual kick-off time to push past the scheduled time.

There was a highly divisive Advance Australia Fair for Game 1, with former Australian Idol winner Dylan Wright performing his own acoustic version.

5.42pm – Blues legend shows his support

Former fullback Garry Jack represented the Blues 17 times from 1984 to 1989.

The 63-year-old also played 22 matches for Australia and became a legend at the Balmain Tigers after 244 matches over 13 years at Leichhardt Oval.

As you can see in the video below, Jack is backing the Blues to even up the series, and it seems his puppy is also on board.

5.26pm – Mostly clear skies ahead

The players are set for a chilly game at the MCG. It’s currently 12 degrees in Melbourne and will drop to around 10 degrees for kick-off.

There’s a small chance of a shower according to the Bureau of Meteorology, along with a north-westerly wind of 15 to 25 km/h.

The Blues are a somewhat surprising $1.82 favourites with the bookies, with the Maroons at $2 a couple of hours before kick-off.

5.04pm – Blues hoping to continue good Melbourne vibes

One element that could be in the Blues’ favour as they attempt to square the series is their record in Melbourne.

From the five matches held at the MCG since 1994, NSW has won four of them, picking up victories that year and in 1997, 2015 and 2018.

The one Queensland victory in that stretch came in 1995.

4.58pm – Maguire addresses “glass houses” gibe

They were the two words heard around the Origin world after NSW was accused of deliberately targeting Reece Walsh in Game 1.

Blues coach Michael Maguire responded by saying unnamed Queenslanders were living in “glass houses” by making that accusation.

It was widely assumed Maguire was referencing Queensland coach Billy Slater’s lengthy judiciary rap sheet from his career, although the NSW mentor didn’t mention Slater by name.

Maguire was asked about it at Tuesday’s pre-match media event and confirmed reporters were on the money with their assumption.

“I think you all worked that out so I’ll leave that with you guys,” he said.

“But one thing I do is that I look after my players and we look after our players so that’s where it was focused.”

Maguire (left) and Slater faced the press on Tuesday. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

4.35pm – Walsh tipped to have a blinder

Reece Walsh only completed seven minutes of Game 1 before he was knocked out by Joseph Suaalii in a moment that changed the game.

Suaalii was sent off and the Maroons romped to a comfortable victory without their explosive fullback.

Reece is back for Game 2 and sidelined Maroon Cameron Munster is expecting him to have a major impact at the MCG.

“I think Reece gets man of the match,” Munster said on Channel 9 on Wednesday morning.

“I think Chez (captain Daly Cherry-Evans) kicks a field goal to win the game.”

Walsh has been tipped to play a major role Game 2. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

4.22pm – Fresh Blues looking to make an impact

The suspended Suaalii, along with James Tedesco, Nicho Hynes, Cameron McInnes and Hudson Young are all out of Game 2.

Dylan Edwards makes his debut at fullback for the Blues, with Mitchell Moses, Latrell Mitchell, Cameron Murray and Connor Watson coming into the squad.

It’s a major gamble for Maguire as he attempts to avoid losing his first series as coach after just two games.

4.15pm – More upheaval for the Blues

NSW is already trying to settle in a team featuring five changes from Game 1 and now an injury drama has further unsettled the camp.

Halfback Mitch Moses, who is back for his first Origin match since 2021, was in line to take on the goalkicking duties for the Blues.

But the Parramatta star experienced some pain in his surgically repaired left foot this week and Zac Lomax will now reportedly take on the all-important role.

Lomax, who has a 78.8 per cent kicking record for the Dragons this season, has beaten out Latrell Mitchell for what could prove a decisive duty on the night.

Lomax taking kicking practice during NSW training. Picture Rohan: Kelly

3.47pm – Maroons already playing tricks?

The NSW was camp was left “miffed”, according to Daily Telegraph journalist Dean Ritchie, after the Maroons arrived late for the final media event in Melbourne on Tuesday.

There is already a little friction between Queensland coach Billy Slater and NSW counterpart Michael Maguire since the whole Joseph Suaalii “glass houses” affair.

After the Blues were left waiting on stage at Federation Square, there was a brief hand shake between the rival coaches, with no words expressed.

It all just adds a little more spice to what already looms as a feisty showdown.

It was all smiles, eventually, at the final media event in Melbourne on Tuesday. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

3.28pm – Nathan Cleary won’t be answering an SOS

There had been some rumblings that Nathan Cleary may return to fitness in time for Game 3 on July 17.

The Panthers halfback would have been the walk-up No. 7 for this year’s series before a number of hamstring issues blighted his season.

An initial eight-week timeline on his return would have put the 26-year-old in the Game 3 window, but that time frame has now been pushed back by the three-time reigning premiers.

“We’re hopeful (that he’ll be back) after our next bye,” Penrith coach Ivan Cleary said.

“We’ve got a couple of games and then a bye, but that hasn’t been confirmed. He’s steadily going through his rehab and it’s going well. Let’s hope he keeps going well.

“That was a fairly loose target and it hasn’t been confirmed, but his rehab is going well.”

Originally published as Blistering Blues win State of Origin Game 2 to level up the series