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State of Origin 2018 Game 2: NSW vs Queensland, live coverage from ANZ Stadium

12-man Blues show amazing courage to hold off surging Maroons 18-14 and claim the 2018 State of Origin series.

26 min read
10:12PMJune 24, 2018.
Updated 10:32PMJune 24, 2018
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Blues players celebrate victory in State of Origin II at ANZ Stadium. Photo: Brett Costello
Blues players celebrate victory in State of Origin II at ANZ Stadium. Photo: Brett Costello

It will be a Blue Monday for Queensland after NSW threatened a new order by claiming only their second State of Origin series victory in 13 years with an 18-14 game two win in Sydney.

Four long years after the Blues sealed their last series win, NSW overcame the second half sin-binning of centre James Roberts to toast success again in front of 82,223 fans on Sunday night.

It was a nightmare start for life without the Maroons’ Big Three — retired greats Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston — but the stuff of dreams for long suffering Blues fans at a sold out ANZ Stadium. Yet only something extraordinary it seemed would break the Maroons’ hold on the Origin trophy after winning it a staggering 11 times in the past 12 years. And the Blues inadvertently provided it with a rare penalty try to skipper Boyd Cordner in the 31st minute.

Latrell Mitchell (left) embraces Damien Cook after claiming State of Origin II. Photo: Brett Costello
Latrell Mitchell (left) embraces Damien Cook after claiming State of Origin II. Photo: Brett Costello

NSW were gifted four points when halfback Ben Hunt took out Cordner as the try-bound back-rower chased a James Maloney grubber.

Remarkably, it marked the first Origin penalty try in 37 years. NSW still did it the hard way, overcoming the sin binning of Roberts in the 69th minute for obstructing Gavin Cooper as he tried to reel in a Ben Hunt kick to score.

Queensland threatened to break NSW hearts yet again when returning hero Billy Slater celebrated his landmark 30th Origin by helping the visitors race to a 10-0 lead after just 20 minutes.

Instead of Independence Day for the Blues it loomed as Groundhog Day. However, the Blues rallied to ensure Brad Fittler became just the sixth NSW coach to claim the Origin title in his first series.

NSW backed up their 22-12 game one win with victory in the first Sunday night Origin game in 17 years.

Sadly, Cordner may not remember the famous victory — he was helped off the field in the 75th minute with concussion.

NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler (right) celebrates with James Roberts. Photo: AAP
NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler (right) celebrates with James Roberts. Photo: AAP

NSW held a 12-10 halftime lead after the early Queensland onslaught when wingers Valentine Holmes (13th minute) and Dane Gagai (20th) crossed inside the first 20 minutes.

It could have been worse for the hosts with Gagai denied a try by the video referee in the eighth minute when he found the speedster’s leg was in touch. After saving a try with his desperate tackle on Gagai, Josh Addo-Carr then scored one of his own in the 25th.

The match then seemed to be turned on its head when Cordner was handed the rare penalty try.

NSW centre Latrell Mitchell scored a soft 50th minute effort but went from hero to villain when his turnover gifted the Maroons field position and centre Will Chambers crossed in the 63rd.

Veteran fullback Billy Slater did his best to spark Queensland after overcoming a hamstring injury that forced him to miss game one while the long awaited Origin debut of Kalyn Ponga showed glimpses of brilliance.

The dead rubber will be held in Brisbane on July 11.

Read below to see how the match unfolded …

Maroons captain Greg Inglis congratulates Blues skipper Boyd Cordner. Photo: Getty Images
Maroons captain Greg Inglis congratulates Blues skipper Boyd Cordner. Photo: Getty Images

AAP

10.05pm: Key moments of Origin II

■ 8th minute: Billy Slater makes space on the left edge and lofts a ball to an open Valentine Holmes however it’s knocked down by Tom Trbojevic.

■ 9th minute: Dane Gagai goes over in the right corner however is denied by the video referee because his right leg is ruled to have touched the sideline thanks to a terrific Josh Addo-Carr cover tackle.

■ 13th minute: Queensland finally crack NSW when Slater and Greg Inglis help to create space for Holmes who goes over untouched. Qld lead 4-0.

■ 20th minute: Slater is again in the thick of it when he creates a two-on-one and Will Chambers produces a skilful flick pass for Gagai to get Queensland’s second try. Holmes converts from the sideline. Qld lead 10-0.

■ 25th minute: NSW run it on the last and James Maloney fires it across two of his players to find Addo-Carr, who steps inside three defenders to get the Blues’ first. Qld lead 10-6.

■ 29th minute: Kalyn Ponga is injected into the action off the bench for his first taste of Origin, coming on for Jarrod Wallace.

■ 31st minute: Boyd Cordner is controversially given a penalty try after being taken out by Ben Hunt chasing a James Maloney kick. The Bunker rules there was no doubt Cordner would have got to the ball. It’s just the second penalty try in Origin history. NSW lead 12-10.

HALFTIME: NSW lead 12-10

■ 50th minute: On the back of two sets on Queensland’s line, Latrell Mitchell crashes over Chambers. Maloney converts from the sideline. NSW lead 18-10.

■ 63rd minute: Mitchell drops the ball coming out of his own end and Chambers goes over in the corner. NSW lead 18-14.

■ 68th minute: Ponga splits open the NSW defence but is pulled down just short of the line by a desperate James Tedesco.

■ 69th minute: James Roberts holds back Gavin Cooper as he chases a Hunt kick and is sin-binned for a professional foul.

■ 70th minute: With the Blues down to 12 men, Hunt kicks dead on the third tackle, throwing away a golden opportunity.

■ 72nd minute: Nathan Cleary comes up with a desperate try-saver on Holmes.

■ 74th minute: NSW captain Cordner leaves the field for a head injury assessment after being rattled tackling Dylan Napa.

■ 75th minute: Chambers kicks it dead as NSW defend their line and hold on for the win.

FULLTIME: NSW win 18-14 to take an unassailable 2-0 series lead and lift the trophy for just the second time in 13 years.

AAP

Ray Gatt 9.55pm: ‘One of the great Origin games’

That will go down as one of the great Origin games.

Both sides are out on their feet and there were plenty of wonderful performances.

Queensland will kick themselves that they couldn’t take advantage of the one man advantage with James Roberts in the sin bin. Their options were terrible.

One real positive for the Maroons was Kalyn Ponga, who looks made for Origin. He was superb.

Ray Gatt 9.52pm: FULL TIME — NSW 18-14 QLD

FULL TIME: NSW have won the second State of Origin 18-14 and the series for the first time since 2014.

What a superb performance from the Blues.

They had to defend with 12 men for 10 of the last 11 minutes but showed huge commitment to hold on.

The NSW fans have gone wild.

Ray Gatt 9.50pm: Maroons knock-on

Pandemonium at ANZ Stadium, Queensland have knocked on close to their line.

There’s 29 seconds to go with NSW having the scrum feed.

It looks like NSW is going to win the 2018 State of Origin series.

NSW 18-14 QLD

Ray Gatt 9.48pm: Roberts gets ready to return

My goodness. Queensland have made some poor options over the past five minutes.

NSW are doing magnificently as James Roberts gets ready to come back on.

They have a penalty and need to have a great set of six here with 90 seconds to go as Roberts comes back.

NSW 18-14 QLD

Ray Gatt 9.43pm: Cordner assisted from field

More trouble for NSW. Blues captain Boyd Cordner is going for a concussion test after his head crashed into Dylan Napa’s hip while he attempted a tackle — but there’s no way he will be able to come back. Queensland have a penalty and will go on the attack.

This is a simply superb contest. There will be heartbreak for one. Who will it be?

Kalyn Ponga and Billy Slater coukd be the ones to make the difference for Queensland.

NSW 18-14 QLD

Ray Gatt 9.41pm: Can NSW hold on?

NSW centre James Roberts will be in the bin until the 79th minute.

Can NSW survive?

It’s going to take a Herculean effort because the Maroons will ask them plenty of questions.

There’s a penalty to NSW in a good position. They need to take advantage here. There’s seven minutes to go. It’s going to go down to the wire.

NSW 18-14 QLD

NSW centre James Roberts is sent to the sin bin. Photo: AAP
NSW centre James Roberts is sent to the sin bin. Photo: AAP

Ray Gatt 9.35pm: Roberts in the sin bin

We have drama again. The referee is looking at a possible penalty try to Queensland. The penalty try isn’t awarded, but it’s the next best result for Queensland, with James Roberts sin-binned and Queensland with a penalty close to the line.

That all came about after a brilliant solo run from the Maroons’ debutant, Kalyn Ponga.

NSW are going to be lucky to survive here.

NSW 18-14 QLD

Ray Gatt 9.28pm: TRY! Queensland hit back

TRY. Queensland. NSW will be kicking themselves.

Queensland put in a poor kick that was fielded in goal but NSW lost the ball off the tap re-start through Latrell Mitchell and Queensland take full advantage a couple of tackles later, with Will Chambers scoring in the corner.

Valentine Holmes misses the conversion and it is 18-14 to NSW.

Strap yourselves in for what will be an exciting final 17 minutes as the crowd is announced: 82,223.

NSW 18-14 QLD

Ray Gatt 9.25pm: A Queensland comeback brewing?

Here comes Queensland. They have a set of six on the NSW line, but the Blues defence holds firm.

This is a tough period for the home side. They need to stay strong.

Jake Trbojevic has been superb for NSW since coming on while Latrell Mitchell and Nathan Cleary have pulled off a couple of bone crunching tackles.

NSW 18-10 QLD

Ray Gatt 9.18pm: Maroons on the march

Now it is NSW’s turn to defend. Queensland will have successive sets of six on the Blues tryline.

And a penalty to Queensland in front of the post gives them more tackles, but Queensland have blown it.

The Maroons panicked and are pulled up for a Billy Slater forward pass on the second tackle. That was very un-Queensland like.

Now there is a penalty for NSW so the pressure is right off the Blues. There’s 56 minutes gone.

NSW 18-10 QLD

Ray Gatt 9.13pm: TRY! Mitchell crashes over

NSW draw first blood in the second half after some sustained pressure. They had successive sets of six on the Queensland line after a Ben Hunt dropped ball before running the ball on the final tackle.

James Tedesco has the ball in his hands and puts Latrell Mitchell over the line in the corner with two defenders hanging on to him.

James Maloney converts from the sideline. That’s a big kick. NSW have now scored 18 points straight. It is 18-10 after 52 minutes.

NSW 18-10 QLD

Ray Gatt 9.10pm: Blues pile on the pressure

NSW have started the second half very well and moving the ball quickly to the flanks. It almost pays off as Josh Addo-Carr scoots down the left sideline. He is almost clear but Will Chambers makes a terrific tackle.

NSW then kick on the last and Queensland do brilliantly to counter attack from their own try line with Billy Slater starting a great move for Holmes who opens up the NSW before he is brought down.

Maroons halfback Ben Hunt then coughs up the ball after a strong tackle by Jack de Belin. Chance for the Blues.

NSW 12-10 QUEENSLAND

Ray Gatt 9.03pm: Underway in second half

And there is the kick off for the second half, with Queensland’s Greg Inglis kicking to NSW.

The Blues lead 12-10 after one of the great halves of Origin football. They’re 40 minutes away from a seriies win but rest assured, Queensland, who are unlucky to be behind, will be in this right to the end.

It really is anyone’s game.

NSW 12-10 QUEENSLAND

NSW prop Paul Vaughan charges ahead. Photo: AAP
NSW prop Paul Vaughan charges ahead. Photo: AAP

Ray Gatt 8.45pm: HALFTIME — NSW 12-10 QLD

That is half time and boy do the Blues need it.

They were under extreme pressure for the last five minutes of the half as Queensland threw everything at them.

NSW did well to get back into the game after being down 10-0 after 20 minutes, hitting back with two converted tries.

This is a fantastic game of rugby league. Both teams are giving it everything.

Ray Gatt 8.40pm: Queensland muscle up

Lucky escape for NSW as David Klemmer loses the ball in the NSW red zone.

Queensland pour on the pressure but the NSW defence holds after Cameron Munster’s cross field kicks eludes everyone and goes into touch.

But NSW are struggling to get out of their own 20m as Queensland muscle up superbly in defender with some massive hits, including a Josh McGuire special that buries Tom Trbojevic, who needs attention. Maybe NSW needed that breather.

NSW made just 12 metres from that set of six before firing off a kick.

NSW 12-10 QUEENSLAND

David Klemmer is wrapped up by Queensland defenders. Photo: Adam Head
David Klemmer is wrapped up by Queensland defenders. Photo: Adam Head

Ray Gatt 8.33pm: TRY! Penalty try gives Blues lead

Queensland introduce Boy Wonder Kalyn Ponga into the game for Jarrod Wallace as NSW get the ball in good field position.

The Blues get a penalty close to the line. NSW will have another set of six on the line as they ignore the gift two points.

We have drama. The referee calls for a possible penalty try to NSW as Boyd Cordner is taken out by Ben Hunt as he attempts to chase down a kick to score.

Commentating for Channel 9, former NSW coach Phil Gould says it is “easily” a penalty try. “He would have scored, no doubt,” Gould says.

And he is right! Penalty try NSW. That will cause plenty of discussion for sure. Greg Inglis questions the referee but it is done.

It is the second only penalty try in Origin history. The only other time was a Mal Meninga try in a game that was not part of the Origin series.

This game has turned around.

James Maloney converts and NSW now lead 12-10 after 33 minutes

NSW 12-10 QUEENSLAND

Ray Gatt 8.26pm: TRY! Blues hit back

TRY to NSW and boy did they need it. The crowd erupts.

On the last tackle, Maloney sends out a long pass to Addo-Carr, who shows great strength and footwork to score out wide after getting the better of Gagai. Maloney converts and it is 10-6 after 27 minutes.

NSW should get a lot of confidence out of that.

QUEENSLAND 10-6 NSW

Ray Gatt 8.17pm: TRY! Gagai crashes over

TRY. Another one to Queensland. Slater injects himself into the backline down the right side and quick hands to Chambers, who sends Gagai on his way to the try line. This time they won’t take it away from him, even though the video referee looks at possible interference.

The NSW defence is terrible and Queensland are having a field day.

Holmes converts from the sidelines and it is all Queensland.

QUEENSLAND 10-0 NSW

Ray Gatt 8.10pm: TRY! Holmes scores for Maroons

Try to Queensland — and they won’t disallow this one as quick hands move the ball down the left flank, with Valentine Holmes crossing out wide to make it 4-0. Holmes misses the difficult conversion attempt.

These are dangerous signs for NSW as Queensland are targeting that NSW right side where James Roberts and Tom Trbojevic are under huge pressure. Billy Slater’s presence is making a huge difference. They conversion attempt is wide.

QUEENSLAND 4-0 NSW

Ray Gatt 8.06pm: End-to-end stuff

Now it is NSW’s turn to put it to the Queenslanders. James Maloney’s kick is gathered in by Latrell Mitchell but he has no-one to pass it to and it’s a turnover close to the Maroons’ line. Now Queensland get a relieving penalty.

This is a good game, fast and furious as you’d expect from a State of Origin. It’s still 0-0 after 12 minutes but NSW will be forced to drop the ball out from under their posts with Queensland on the attack again.

NSW 0-0 QUEENSLAND

Ray Gatt 8.04pm: Gagai denied opening try

What a let off for NSW. Dane Gagai appeared to score in the corner but the video referee has ruled that his knee was on the sideline before he got the ball down. That was a close call but credit to Josh Addo-Carr for a great tackle.

Now NSW get a relieving penalty. And they needed it. Queensland are really up for this, as you would expect.

NSW 0-0 QUEENSLAND

Ray Gatt 8pm: Maroons on the attack

Queensland show the first bit of flair, moving the ball quickly down the left side with Billy Slater looking dangerous on the last tackle. NSW get a bit of luck with the referee ruling a Queensland kick was not played at, so NSW get the ball back.

The first penalty of the game goes to the Maroons, so they will be able to put some more pressure on the Blues.

It is clear the visitors are looking to move the ball a lot more out the backline compared to the first game.

Lucky for NSW, Tom Trbojevic knocks the ball down with Queensland on the attack.

NSW 0-0 QUEENSLAND

Ray Gatt 7.57pm: Blues start strong

That was a good opening for NSW. They defended the first Queensland set of six very well, forcing them to kick from just outside their own 40 metre line.

NSW don’t do much better, kicking from just inside their own half with their first set of six.

It has been a safe opening from both sides after four minutes.

NSW 0-0 QUEENSLAND

Ray Gatt 7.52pm: NSW kick things off

The players are out on the field. The atmosphere is stunning, the 80,000 plus crowd at ANZ Stadium and the whole of NSW has their fingers crossed hoping for the Blues’ first Origin series win since 2014.

The national anthem is done and we are ready for kick off.

And to the enormous roar of the crowd, NSW kick off.

7.40pm: Congrats, Billy

Daniel Sankey 7.30pm: Blues wary of fast-finishing Maroons

Former NSW coach Phil Gould and captain Paul Gallen are both wary of Queensland’s never-say-die attitude, acknowledging tonight’s match could well be decided in the closing stages.

“The test will be if it’s a close finish ... that’s when this young New South Wales side has got to prove itself,” Gould said in Channel 9’s State of Origin preview show.

Gallen said Blues five-eighth James Maloney would need to lift his team if the match develops into a close slog in the final minutes.

“I like this side, they’ve got great experience in the forward pack, they’ve got this young backline that is just fearless and fast, and they’ve got a guy named Jimmy Maloney in the halves who’s probably in career-best form,” Gallen said. “One thing is if it does get close in the back end of the game, he’ll come to the fore and he’ll stamp his authority on the game and get the job done.”

7.15pm: How the bookies see it

The NSW Blues are hot favourites to sew up the 2018 State of Origin series with victory in tonight’s second match at ANZ Stadium.

Playing in front of their home fans, the Blues are $1.37 favourites with PointsBet to win the match, with Queensland massive outsiders at $3.15.

In line betting, NSW (-8.0 points) is $1.91, as are the Maroons with the eight-point start.

At $8.50, New South Wales winger Josh Addo-Carr is the favoured option to be the first tryscorer, with Tom Trbojevic at $10, James Tedesco at $11 and James Roberts and Latrell Mitchell at $12. Queensland winger Valentine Holmes is at $13, with Dane Gagai at $14 and Billy Slater $16.

Latrell Mitchell is a $12 chance with PointsBet to be the first tryscorer tonight. photo: AAP
Latrell Mitchell is a $12 chance with PointsBet to be the first tryscorer tonight. photo: AAP

7pm: Queensland’s pack mentality

This time, it is personal for the Queensland pack. Skipper Greg Inglis has revealed the Maroons forwards have held a secret meeting to plan their response in tonight’s must-win State of Origin game two in Sydney after taking the series-opening loss personally.

The Maroons pack appeared vulnerable after being out-muscled by the Blues in their 22-12 Origin I defeat in Melbourne .

Queensland coach Kevin Walters even admitted he gave prop Jarrod Wallace a “second chance” by retaining the Gold Coast workhorse for game two at ANZ Stadium.

Maroons and Blues players clash during Origin I at the MCG. Photo: AAP
Maroons and Blues players clash during Origin I at the MCG. Photo: AAP

However, Inglis said one look around their Gold Coast camp upon the team’s arrival was all it took to convince him the Maroons forwards meant business in game two.

“They know they have a challenge ahead and they do take it personally,” Inglis said of his forwards.

“When we came together on day one, they (the forwards) got together as a group. I don’t know what has been said in that group but I know they are looking forward to the challenge in Sydney.

“Origin is all about winning the ruck and the forward battle, it always has been.

“Us boys out wide get to look pretty but those boys get bashed up through the middle.”

Inglis backed maligned Gold Coast front-rower Wallace to hit back in his fourth Origin after copping flak for managing 43m from just five carries in game one.

“I will back Jarrod. I know he is going to be a different player. I know he has learnt from that and so has the rest of the forward group and the rest of the team,” Inglis said.

“We learned a lot from game one. That’s why we picked them because we know they are going to be better.”

Metre eater ... NSW captain Boyd Cordner. Photo: Adam Head
Metre eater ... NSW captain Boyd Cordner. Photo: Adam Head

AAP


Daniel Sankey 6.45pm: No changes for NSW, Qld

There are no late changes for either New South Wales or Queensland for tonight’s State of Origin II at ANZ Stadium, with both teams to line up as programmed.

As reported earlier today, Queensland prop Dylan Napa has passed a fitness test and will take his place in the middle of the ruck for the Maroons.

Maroons assistant Josh Hannay admitted this morning that while Napa’s ankle injury was not 100 per cent healed, he would be fit enough to take his place in a match that Queensland must win to keep the Origin series alive.

6.30pm: Fittler’s funky methods resonate

The grass isn’t always greener on the other side. But ahead of a potential series-clinching victory in State of Origin II tonight, NSW fans are hoping they’ve found the promised land under amateur horticulturalist Brad Fittler.

He may be an Origin coaching first-timer, but Fittler has proven he is no sideline rookie after going to great lengths to learn everything about the ANZ Stadium surface.

Blue has beanie ... NSW coach Brad Fittler. Photo: AAP
Blue has beanie ... NSW coach Brad Fittler. Photo: AAP

And it perhaps go some way to explaining the Blues’ new craze of earthing. Fittler is the only coach to have approached ANZ Stadium curator Graeme Logan over the past 20 years, and has even gone out and visited a turf farm out at Windsor earlier this year.

“Well, they play on grass. They play on surfaces. So it’d be a real lack of attention to detail if I didn’t understand the grass,” Fittler said. The Homebush venue is widely considered a slippery surface for regular NRL games — a belief Logan dispels as a “myth”.

Not only does he point out the lack of airflow in the enclosed stadium, but the groundsmen also apply a water repellent that last over a week. “(The slippery surface) is a bit hyped up,” Logan says.

“You get sick and tired of people saying it’s wet and slippery. People comment about it and they’re not players. And then you speak to the Cameron Smiths and whatnot, no one has an issue with it.

“(Freddie) is funny, but he does have a real interest in it. He’ll ring or we’ll catch up and say, ‘How are we looking? He’ll ask if the rye grass is coming through, so he really understands it.

“Freddie is very knowledgeable, we liaise quite a bit with Freddie which is great because he’s got a vested interest in how it works. We speak to him weekly about it so he gets the update.”

NSW Origin coach Brad Fittler with his Blues partner-in-crime, Greg Alexander. Photo: Phil Hillyard
NSW Origin coach Brad Fittler with his Blues partner-in-crime, Greg Alexander. Photo: Phil Hillyard

It is just the latest kooky trait Blues fans are learning about the Origin champion as he attempts to claim a breakthrough series victory in just his first attempt as coach.

From salsa nights, to barefoot sessions, yoga, walking to the stadium on game day, and a mobile phone ban, the 46-year-old has broadened the horizon of all 21 players brought in over the two camps so far.

Fittler believes ANZ Stadium is in the best condition it has ever been, and is banking on a dry track to help flyers Josh Addo-Carr, James Roberts and James Tedesco against Queensland.

“There’s more grass on there than ever, it’s a vastly different field to the MCG. The boys with footwork will be very happy when they get out here, it’s in great nick,” he said.

AAP

6pm: Queensland halves must lift, Walters says

Much may have been made of Queensland’s lack of forward firepower in their State of Origin series opening loss.

But Maroons coach Kevin Walters says the area where his side need to improve in Sunday’s must-win game two in Sydney is clear — their halves.

There was speculation Walters may promote old head Josh McGuire from lock to starting prop and hand livewire bench forward Jai Arrow the No.13 jersey for Origin II after the Maroons’ big men failed to fire in the opener. Prop Jarrod Wallace even had to rely on a “second chance” to be retained for game two after an underwhelming 43m from just five carries in their opening 22-12 loss in Melbourne.

Ben Hunt in action in Origin I. Photo: AAP
Ben Hunt in action in Origin I. Photo: AAP

But instead of turning up the heat on his forwards, Walters took aim at halves Ben Hunt and Cameron Munster ahead of a game they must win to keep the series alive.

Hunt and Munster were already feeling the heat after failing to spark Queensland’s attack in their opening loss at the MCG — their first game together as Maroons halves.

“They need to be better,” Walters said of his halves.

“Ben Hunt in game one was good, likewise Cam Munster, but they need to be great if we want to win and that has been explained to them.”

Melbourne playmaker Munster threatened early in game one while St George Illawarra No.7 Hunt set up winger Dane Gagai’s second half try with a well-timed grubber but largely failed to test NSW’s defence.

Even Queensland skipper Greg Inglis couldn’t help but have a chip at their maligned halves ahead of game two.

Cameron Munster trains ahead of tonight’s second State of Origin match. Photo: Getty Images
Cameron Munster trains ahead of tonight’s second State of Origin match. Photo: Getty Images

Asked if he felt it was up to him to lift Queensland in their crunch clash, the inspirational centre said: “I have to put the ownership back on our halves”. But Walters believed Munster and Hunt — who battled a thigh injury before game one — were ready to show what they have got at Origin level.

“I couldn’t think of two better guys in the Maroon jersey than those guys,” Walters said of his halves.

“They are great players. They will show just how good they are.”

Queensland have won three of the past four Origins in Sydney, including an 18-16 result in last season’s pivotal game two at ANZ Stadium.

AAP

5.30pm: Fox hunts for victory

Josh Addo-Carr has only played at ANZ Stadium three times in his life.

Yet by the time he’s done with his fourth time, the NSW speedster could walk away with an Origin shield to add to his NRL premiership ring. Talk about a flying start to his career.

“It’s a little kid’s dream. It’s what you dream when you’re younger. It’s what footy’s all about, being number one,” Addo-Carr said.

New South Wales winger Josh Addo-Carr causes havoc for Queensland defenders in Origin I. Photo: Getty Images
New South Wales winger Josh Addo-Carr causes havoc for Queensland defenders in Origin I. Photo: Getty Images

With Melbourne rarely playing at the Sydney venue, tonight’s Origin II will be the first time Addo-Carr returns to the arena he lit up with a blazing 75-metre opening try in last year’s grand final triumph.

He identifies standing with his Storm teammates and singing the national anthem in front of thousands of people as one of the proudest moments of his career so far.

“But my favourite memory of that day would have to be scoring that first try. It’s one of the best moments of my life so far, really,” he said.

It would cap a meteoric rise for the 22-year-old, who arrived in Melbourne 18 months ago with just nine NRL games and little fanfare to go with it. Now, after a 14 tackle-bust performance in game one, he’s on the cusp of being a state hero, and he credits a former Blues coach for his ascension.

“I went down to Melbourne to seek an opportunity and I knew if I worked really hard down there, they’d turn me into the player I always dreamed to be,” he said.

“Craig Bellamy and the coaching staff down there, they breed rep players. That’s what their club’s about — effort, hard work and your teammates. That’s what we’re about here in the NSW team too this year.”

Mate against mate ... Storm teammates Billy Slater (left) and Josh Addo-Car will be on opposing sides in today’s second State of Origin. Photo: Michael Klein
Mate against mate ... Storm teammates Billy Slater (left) and Josh Addo-Car will be on opposing sides in today’s second State of Origin. Photo: Michael Klein

Addo-Carr is also relishing an Origin shot at Storm teammate Billy Slater, who returns for the clash after missing game one with a hamstring injury.

“It’s going to be a huge honour to join the field with him in the pinnacle of rugby league,” he said.

“Everyone knows he had two years off with his shoulder. But to come back and represent your state and country, and how he’s playing with the Storm again, it’s pretty special.”

AAP

5pm: Sell-out for Origin II

A crowd of more than 80,000 is expected to watch NSW attempt to clinch the State of Origin series on home soil with the NRL announcing tonight’s match at ANZ Stadium is sold out.

The only tickets still available are a limited number of $35 restricted view seats, which were released this morning.

“There has been enormous interest in the stand alone Sunday night State of Origin and that’s reflected in the fact it is now a sell-out,” NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said.

“The fact that there will be close to 10,000 interstate travellers in the crowd is another real positive.”

NSW Blues players check out ANZ Stadium earlier today. Photo: AAP
NSW Blues players check out ANZ Stadium earlier today. Photo: AAP

AAP

4.50pm: Who will win the key contests?

Five crucial match-ups that could decide State of Origin 2:

JAMES TEDESCO v BILLY SLATER
The Blues’ No.1 carved Queensland up in game one while a hamstrung Slater watched from the sideline. Time and again he shot through the ruck and kickstarted NSW’s attack, bagging a try in a man of the match display. Queensland’s favourite son is back though and much is expected of the 35-year-old in his 30th Origin contest. Not only will he provide stability by marshalling Queensland’s defence, Slater will also add another much-needed offensive dimension. Despite making his debut in 2012, 25-year-old Tedesco has only played against Slater five times across the NRL and Origin arenas — winning just once.

TEDESCO v SLATER
■ 2013 — Round 5 Melbourne 26 defeated Wests Tigers 12; Round 16 Wests Tigers 22 defeated Melbourne 4
■ 2017 — Round 4 Melbourne 22 defeated Wests Tigers 14; Origin II Queensland 18 defeated NSW 16; Origin III Queensland 22 defeated NSW 6

Queensland fullback Billy Slater and his NSW rival, James Tedesco.
Queensland fullback Billy Slater and his NSW rival, James Tedesco.

DAMIEN COOK vs ANDREW McCULLOUGH
Cook produced one of the great Origin debuts to orchestrate NSW’s 22-12 first-up win, using his speed and timing to tear through the ruck and unleash his lightning-fast backline. Fellow debutant McCullough plays it differently at hooker, but the level-headed Bronco believes he can blunt Cook’s biggest strength and turn the tide Queensland’s way in the battle of the ruck. Just how tightly the off-side and play-the-ball laws are enforced may also play a part, after few penalties were blown in game one.

NSW hooker Damien Cook makes a break during State of Origin 1. Photo: AAP
NSW hooker Damien Cook makes a break during State of Origin 1. Photo: AAP

JARROD WALLACE (QLD) vs MATT PRIOR
The plucky Queensland forward has come under fire after notching just 43 metres from five carries in game one. Given a reprieve, the Gold Coast Titan has promised to deliver in Sydney against a NSW forward pack missing Reagan Campbell-Gillard. Matt Prior is the man entrusted with filling that void, having pipped Wallace’s clubmate Ryan James for an Origin debut. Two big men with bigger points to prove. Watch this space.

Under pressure … Queensland prop Jarrod Wallace. Photo: Adam Head
Under pressure … Queensland prop Jarrod Wallace. Photo: Adam Head

LATRELL MITCHELL vs WILL CHAMBERS
Chambers has become a reliable contributor in a successful Maroons outfit but was put on notice by the 21-year-old centre from Taree in game one. The Sydney Roosters gun defied the 10-year age gap to rise above Chambers’ verbal and physical barbs and scored a try to take the bragging rights in his Origin debut. Mitchell’s carrying a few niggles into tonight’s clash and a proud Chambers is no doubt itching to even the ledger.

Latrell Mitchell (left) and Will Chambers clash in State of Origin 1. Photo: AAP
Latrell Mitchell (left) and Will Chambers clash in State of Origin 1. Photo: AAP

BRAD FITTLER vs KEVIN WALTERS
They waged war as players in the early 90s and are at it again as coaches nearly 30 years later. While it is up to the players to decide the contest tonight, the pair’s methods and attitudes have had a massive say on the series so far. Fittler has encouraged barefoot walks and invited all sorts of inspirational figures to camp. In contrast, Walters was under the pump when a horror run of injuries hit ahead of game one and was unusually agitated when announcing the team earlier this week. But the Queensland coach has an ace up his sleeve in Kalyn Ponga, with the manner of his employment perhaps the contest’s biggest talking point.

Best of frenemies … Queensland State of Origin coach Kevin Walters (left) and NSW State of Origin coach Brad Fittler. Photo: AAP
Best of frenemies … Queensland State of Origin coach Kevin Walters (left) and NSW State of Origin coach Brad Fittler. Photo: AAP

AAP

4.30pm: Napa cleared for Maroons

Queensland enforcer Dylan Napa has finally been given the green light to play in tonight’s State of Origin game two in Sydney.

Maroons assistant Josh Hannay said this morning Napa was still not 100 per cent fit but he would nurse his injured ankle through a match Queensland must win to keep the series alive.

“It is hard to place a percentage on the injury but he has done everything asked of him this week — he is ready to go,” he said.

Hannay disagreed that the NSW forwards outmuscled Queensland in game one in Melbourne but believed Napa would help the Maroons pack respond to the series-opening loss.

“I don’t think they (NSW pack) were as dominant as what has been said in the media,” Hannay said.

“I thought we held our gloves up and held our own at certain stages. It’s about maintaining that dominance for longer periods tonight.

“(But) there were periods where our middle was disappointed with the way they handled it.

“The threat NSW poses is their speed and their little men through the middle. We just need our middles to handle that.”

Maroons enforcer Dylan Napa. Photo: Getty Images
Maroons enforcer Dylan Napa. Photo: Getty Images

Hannay said veteran fullback Billy Slater was primed to make an impact in his landmark 30th Origin match after missing game one through injury.

“We did a little presentation for Billy last night just to acknowledge this is his 30th — he is one of the greatest to ever wear the Maroons jersey,” Hannay said.

“He’s highly motivated to go out there tonight and do his job for Queensland. He will put in a big performance. The key is that the other 16 back him up.”

Hannay claimed there was no pressure on brilliant 20-year-old bench utility Kalyn Ponga, who will make his keenly-awaited Origin debut for Queensland.

“There’s no pressure at all. He is coming into an environment he will own for the next 10 to 15 years,” Hannay said.

“This is the start of his Origin journey. We have all the confidence in the world that when he is injected he will make a real difference.”

The master and the apprentice … Queensland fullback Billy Slater (right) with debutant Kalyn Ponga. Photo: Adam Head
The master and the apprentice … Queensland fullback Billy Slater (right) with debutant Kalyn Ponga. Photo: Adam Head

Hannay admitted the Maroons were nervous as they tried to extend their stunning run of 11 series wins in 12 years in their first season without retired greats Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston.

“Yeah but NSW would be nervous too,” Hannay said of rookie coach Brad Fittler’s Blues.

“There is a lot on the line, two new football sides trying to make their mark on State of Origin.

“We know what is in front of us. It will be a tough task but our preparation has been faultless and that gives us great confidence coming into tonight.”

AAP

4.15pm: Clearly a great player, Mortimer says

NSW’s first series-winning State of Origin halfback Steve Mortimer has backed Nathan Cleary to stand up where so many other Blues have fallen in recent years.

Cleary can join an esteemed group of just seven Blues halfbacks to have guided NSW to a series victory with a win tonight, following on from his success on debut in Melbourne.

Those players include the very best to have played for the Blues, most notably through the likes of Mortimer, Andrew Johns, Peter Sterling, Ricky Stuart and Geoff Toovey.

Young star … NSW playmaker Nathan Cleary. Photo: AAP
Young star … NSW playmaker Nathan Cleary. Photo: AAP

That comes despite some 20 players having worn the No.7 in Origin, including eight in the past 12 years with only Trent Hodkinson having emerged victorious. Cleary was solid without being spectacular for the Blues at the MCG. While he didn’t lay on any tries, he took a number of hits without looking to rush a pass or sending one to ground.

He and five-eighth James Maloney also controlled the game well in the second half, as the Blues held onto and then kicked on from their 16-12 with half-hour to play.

And with that first match out of the way Mortimer is confident the Penrith No.7 will be better for the experience.

“Nathan Cleary is a great player,” Mortimer, who led NSW to their first series victory in 1985, said.

“He will become a lot more used to going in the second game and he also he has a wonderful five-eighth in James Maloney who has been getting in his ear.

“All the rookies will be ready for it now. They’re confident and they’ve won. But again they’ve got to keep their feet on the ground.”

NSW halves Nathan Cleary (left) and James Maloney train at Moore Park, Sydney. Photo: Brett Costello
NSW halves Nathan Cleary (left) and James Maloney train at Moore Park, Sydney. Photo: Brett Costello

Maloney also backed his Penrith teammate to have increased involvement at ANZ Stadium, after he entered the MCG with the weight of being the face of the Blues’ next generation.

“He’ll be better for the run, there’s no doubt about that,” Maloney said. “He knows a little bit about what Origin is like.

He will be a little bit more comfortable just with the players and understands what we’re trying to do a little bit more.

“I think all the new guys have still got to understand it will go up another level on Sunday and be prepared for that.”

NSW’S SERIES-WINNING HALFBACKS: Steve Mortimer, Trent Hodkinson, Andrew Johns, Peter Sterling, Brett Kimmorley, Ricky Stuart, Geoff Toovey.
* Qualifier: Two wins in series played at halfback.

AAP

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Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/nrl/state-of-origin-2018-game-2-nsw-vs-queensland-live-coverage-from-anz-stadium/news-story/7f15efb5095f79d935c72a7ca9e4c78d