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State of Origin Game 2: QLD Maroons win 32-6 over NSW Blues

Daly Cherry-Evans deserves to be remembered among the Maroons greats following his stellar Origin revival, writes Travis Meyn.

Travis MeynTravis Meyn
@travismeyn
16 min read
June 22, 2023 - 7:49AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
Daly Cherry-Evans of the Maroons leads out for Origin II. Picture: Getty Images
Daly Cherry-Evans of the Maroons leads out for Origin II. Picture: Getty Images

Daly Cherry-Evans entered Origin immortality after producing the finest performance of his turbulent Queensland career to clinch back-to-back series wins for the Maroons.

Cherry-Evans was at his brilliant best before 52,433 at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night, orchestrating a 32-6 win to give Queensland a shot at a rare series clean sweep.

Playing his 21st game at age 34, Cherry-Evans equalled Allan Langer’s record of 15 consecutive starting appearances in Queensland’s No. 7 jersey.

And he did it in style to lift the Origin shield in consecutive series for the first time.

It has been a stunning career comeback for the Maroons skipper, who spent three years in the Origin wilderness between game two of the 2015 series and the 2018 dead-rubber when he was finally recalled.

Daly Cherry-Evans has earned his place among the Maroons greats. Picture: Getty Images
Daly Cherry-Evans has earned his place among the Maroons greats. Picture: Getty Images

Cherry-Evans was forced to combat speculation about his character and questions over why he was exiled from Camp Maroon.

But he fought his way back into the fold and has made the most of his second coming as a Maroon.

Since then, Cherry-Evans hasn’t missed an Origin and was appointed captain at the start of the 2019 series. He is now a three-time series-winning captain from five years in the role.

While the likes of electric superstars Cameron Munster and Reece Walsh have grabbed headlines in recent years, Cherry-Evans has been a steady force at the helm of the Maroons.

He was excellent in Queensland’s 2020 and 2022 series wins and stepped up again on home soil in emphatic fashion.

Nothing epitomised Cherry-Evans’ captain’s knock more than a stunning chase on a runaway Stephen Crichton in the first half (see the video above).

James Tedesco congratulates opposing skipper Daly Cherry-Evans after the game. Picture: Getty Images
James Tedesco congratulates opposing skipper Daly Cherry-Evans after the game. Picture: Getty Images

The Blues centre looked destined to score a 90m intercept try, only for Cherry-Evans to bring him down after sprinting from the other side of the field.

Moments later he was on the end of a Pat Carrigan offload, piercing NSW’s line to pick up valuable field position which led to Murray Taulagi scoring Queensland’s second try.

At halftime, Cherry-Evans had made six runs for 62m to go with two tackle busts and a try-assist following his kick for Valentine Holmes to open scoring.

He was in the thick of it again early in the second half, producing a clever pass for Holmes to bag his second as Queensland romped to a 20-0 lead.

Some of the greatest players in rugby league history have donned the Maroons No. 7 jersey throughout Origin’s 43-year existence.

Langer (34 games) is up there along with the likes of Johnathan Thurston (37) and Cooper Cronk (22), who Cherry-Evans will equal for Queensland appearances when the series concludes in Sydney on July 12.

And the current Maroons leader deserves to be remembered among those greats following his stellar Origin revival.

Coach Billy Slater and captain Daly Cherry-Evans after the game. Picture: NRL Imagery
Coach Billy Slater and captain Daly Cherry-Evans after the game. Picture: NRL Imagery

RELIVE OUR LIVE ORIGIN COVERAGE

9:50PM MAROONS 32-6 BLUES

Stop the fight! This is getting very ugly for NSW, as Queensland scored yet another try. Cowboys star Jeremiah Nanai cleaned up a Blues drop ball in goal, to score the Maroons’ sixth try of the game. Valentine Holmes converts yet again.

9:37PM MAROONS 26-6 BLUES

It’s all but over now for NSW, after Queensland scored their fifth try of the game with Xavier Coates going over in the corner. Valentine Holmes converts his third of the night. Just give them the shield now!

9:29PM MAROONS 20-6 BLUES

It only took 57 minutes but the Blues have finally hit back, with fill-in centre Damien Cook scoring under the posts. Stephen Crichton converts, but the Blues still have a long way to go if they are to mount a meaningful comeback.

9:20PM MAROONS 20-0 BLUES

Queensland are closing in on back-to-back Origin series wins, with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow scoring their fourth try of the game. Valentine Holmes fails to convert. This is getting very ugly for NSW.

9:11PM MAROONS 16-0 BLUES

Queensland have scored their first genuine try of the game, with Valentine Holmes scoring his second career Origin double, on the back of a monster run from fullback Reece Walsh. Holmes converts.

8:55PM CONFIRMED: TRBOJEVIC’S SEASON LIKELY OVER

Tom Trbojevic needs a miracle to play again this season after rupturing his right pectoral in the second State of Origin game.

Trbojevic was forced from the field after only three minutes, leaving his season in jeopardy in what shapes as a bitter blow for Manly as well as the Blues.

Tom Trbojevic’s season could be over, after suffering a pectoral injury. Picture: Adam Head.
Tom Trbojevic’s season could be over, after suffering a pectoral injury. Picture: Adam Head.

8:43PM MAROONS 10-0 NSW

Forward pass controversy! The Maroons have scored yet another controversial try, with referees missing not one, but TWO blatant forward passes in the lead up to a Murray Taulagi try. David Fifita appeared to pass it forward to Hamiso-Tabuai Fidow, who then passed it forward to Taulagi. Holmes converts.

8:40PM TENSIONS RISING

Things are getting spicy out there, as players came together after Jarome Luai stood over Maroons skipper Daly Cherry-Evans following a dominant tackle.

8:28PM TURBO OUT

NSW star Tom Trbojevic is out of the game, after returning to the sideline for the Blues. having changed out of his playing kit, with his arm in a sling.

8:18PM MAROONS 4-0 NSW

The Maroons have controversially opened the scoring, with Valentine Holmes dubiously cleared of a knock-on to open Queensland’s account. The bunker cleared the grounding, despite a hint of separation. Holmes misses the conversion.

Valentine Holmes was awarded a try despite appearing to knock-on. Picture: Getty Images.
Valentine Holmes was awarded a try despite appearing to knock-on. Picture: Getty Images.

8:10PM TURBO DOWN

NSW and Manly superstar Tom Trbojevic has sensationally been forced from the field injured after just three minutes.

Trboejvic was taken straight off after a covering tackle on Queensland fullback Reece Walsh.

There are early fears Trbojevic has sustained either a pectoral injury and dislocated his shoulder.

He is unlikely to return to the game.

A pec injury could end Trbojevic’s season, crippling blow for his club side, Manly.

Trbojevic was replaced at left centre by hooker Damien Cook, who started the game from the bench.

7:05PM MASS TEAM CHANGES CONFIRMED

The late mail is in, and as suspected both NSW and Queensland have spring some last minute changes to their starting line-ups.

Maroons coach Billy Slater has pulled a late double change, with Reuben Cotter and Tom Flegler to start for Queensland.

Cotter will replace Jeremiah Nanai on the right edge while Flegler will make his Origin starting debut in the front row in place of Lindsay Collins.

Meanwhile, Blues coach Brad Fittler has rushed in Reece Robson into the starting side.

The Blues debutant will start the game ahead of Damien Cook. Cook will start off the interchange bench.

The Blues have resisted making any other changes with Liam Martin to again start from the reserves.

7PM MAROONS WIN THE TOSS

Queensland has had their first win on State of Origin night after captain Daly Cherry-Evans won the toss. The Maroons are looking to wrap up the series at Suncorp Stadium after taking out the opener at Adelaide Oval three weeks ago.

Queensland have won the toss!
Queensland have won the toss!

6:53PM BIG BETS COME IN LATE FOR BLUES

Some big money has come in late for NSW, with brave punters hoping for a Mitch Moses miracle! One TAB punter has thrown down $1,000 at $10 for Moses to emerge as Player of the Match, according to TAB’s Rohan Welsh, as the money begins to come in for NSW.

“Despite blowing out to $2.80 with TAB when Latrell Mitchell pulled out, the Blues have enjoyed a game day plunge from punters. They now hold 63% of the Head-to-Head money and have been trimmed into $2.50 with some sizeable bets coming through, highlighted by a $30,000 outlay at $2.60,” Welsh said.

6:45PM MAROONS ARE IN THE BUILDING

The Maroons are in the building! Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans arrives at Suncorp Stadium for Origin Game II. Picture: NRL Imagery.
The Maroons are in the building! Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans arrives at Suncorp Stadium for Origin Game II. Picture: NRL Imagery.

6:40PM WELCOME TO ORIGIN II LIVE

Hello and welcome to our live State of Origin Game II coverage! I’m Wilson Smith and I’ll be running our live blog this evening.

Can the Blues create history and win a Game II in Brisbane to keep the series alive? Or will the Maroons wrap up the series on their home turf?

Be sure to tune in for the latest scores, team changes and injury news. Final teams will drop at 7:05pm!

6:20PM THE CAXTON STREET WALK HAS BEGUN

It begins. The Caxton street crowd is flocking toward Suncorp Stadium, with kick-off less than two-hours away now.

LATE MAIL: BLUES, MAROONS SET FOR LAST MINUTE SWITCH

Both the Blues and Maroons are poised to spring some last minute changes, with NSW considering a late backline switch, while Queensland will likely unleash their Game I man-of-the match.

NSW Coach Brad Fittler has been toying with a couple of changes to the named squad including swapping wingers Brian To’o and Josh Addo-Carr around and having Reece Robson start at hooker instead of Damien Cook.

Josh Addo-Carr could swap sides with Brian To'o in Origin II. Picture: NRL Imagery.
Josh Addo-Carr could swap sides with Brian To'o in Origin II. Picture: NRL Imagery.
To'o gives away 12 cm to Maroons rival Xavier Coates and could struggle to contain the aerial threat. Picture: Getty Images.
To'o gives away 12 cm to Maroons rival Xavier Coates and could struggle to contain the aerial threat. Picture: Getty Images.

It has been suggested Addo-Carr could be switched from the right side to the left in a bid to combat Queensland towering winger Xavier Coates. At 194cm, Coates is at least 12 cm taller than Blues winger To’o and the height mismatch has Fittler toying with the prospect of shifting Addo-Carr across the field.

Meanwhile, Billy Slater is set to unleash Reuben Cotter as his starting X-factor in Origin II, with the Game I man-of-the match set to swap with Cowboys teammate Jeremiah Nanai in a last-minute swap.

Slater confirmed he is considering thrusting Cotter into the starting back row and relegating Jeremiah Nanai as his interchange super sub in Wednesday night’s return bout at Suncorp Stadium.

Cotter superbly filled the void when back-rower Tom Gilbert was injured in the 18th minute of Origin I, moving from the middle to the edge to post a game-high 48 tackles in Queensland’s 26-18 win.

State of Origin Game I man-of-the-match Reuben Cotter could be a late starter for Queensland. Picture: NRL Photos.
State of Origin Game I man-of-the-match Reuben Cotter could be a late starter for Queensland. Picture: NRL Photos.

MAROONS PRE-GAME WARM-UP

The Queensland Maroons took to the Brisbane CBD today, getting in a light kicking session with fans ahead of Origin Game II at Suncorp Stadium.

DOES X MARK A NSW WEAKNESS?

Blues advisor and assistant coach Greg Alexander put on his best poker face after being asked about the potential for changes to the NSW line-up in the lead-up to the second State of Origin game.

There have been suggestions the Blues could switch Brian To’o and Josh Addo-Carr on the wings at Suncorp Stadium but Alexander was giving nothing away as he finalised the Blues’ media commitments ahead of a must-win game for the state.

It has been suggested the Blues may move To’o to help negate the threat of aerial specialist Xavier Coates.

The Blues could switch Brian To’o (R) to help negate the threat of Xavier Coates (L).
The Blues could switch Brian To’o (R) to help negate the threat of Xavier Coates (L).

“No scoops,” he said.

“I apologise for that. They have both played left and right (wing). Josh played right in 2021 when we won that series, Brian played left.

“Josh plays left for his club and Brian plays right for his club. So they can handle both. In ’21 Brian played left and Xavier Coates was on the right.

“So Brian marked up on Xavier Coates the last time Xavier played, So it wouldn’t be for that reason, if in fact it does happen.”

Alexander said he expected a brutal game in the same vein as the final match of last year’s series at Suncorp Stadium.

“Just cast your mind back to game three last year,” he said.

“That was the most brutal opening to a game I can remember. Both teams want to win desperately.

“I am assuming that tonight will be as brutal as it was in game three last year. It is do or die, simple as that.

NSW Blues adviser Greg Alexander. Picture: NCA Newswire
NSW Blues adviser Greg Alexander. Picture: NCA Newswire

“They know what is on the line but Freddie (coach Brad Fittler) will talk to the players before the game. What is needed isn’t lost.

“The players are experienced and we all expect the best players in the game to be absolutely ready to do whatever it takes to win tonight.”

Alexander also dismissed any suggestion the Blues’ preparation had been disrupted following the withdrawal of centre Latrell Mitchell - half Nathan Cleary and hooker Api Koroisau were already overlooked due to injury.

Mitchell Moses and Damien Cook have been recalled at half and hooker.

“We as a coaching staff were prepared to give Latrell as much time as needed,” Alexander said.

“Latrell’s injury just wasn’t improving as quickly as we would have liked.

“I know there were some players ruled out through injury - Nathan and Api. But it has been great having Mitch and Cooky and Reece Robson as part of the camp.

“Although it seems like it is disrupted and there will be some out there who will say the Blues are confused, that couldn’t be further from the truth.”

CAM SMITH’S MESSAGE FOR DISRESPECTFUL MAROON

- Peter Badel

Queensland hierarchy have put Reece Walsh on notice about bagging the Blues as fired-up NSW players prepare to take revenge on the Maroons fullback in Origin II tonight.

Maroons assistant Cameron Smith has revealed Walsh received “feedback” from team bosses after the Origin debutant blasted the Blues following Queensland’s 26-18 win in the series opener.

Walsh was superb in his Origin debut and later rubbed salt into the Blues’ wounds with some verbal uppercuts in response to claims the 20-year-old Broncos young gun would be targeted in his maiden Maroon outing.

“They think they’re better than everyone down there in blue,” Walsh said in Queensland’s dressing room after Origin I.

“Everyone thinks I’m not a tough footballer. Where I come from is a tough area, mate. I’ve got bigger brothers. It’s been tough my whole life.

“Come out here and bash me. I’m up for it. I’ll be ready to go again and I’m looking forward to it.

“Of course I (wanted to prove a point). They thought I wasn’t ready and wasn’t up to it.”

Reece Walsh received some ‘feedback’ from the Queensland hierarchy. Picture: Getty Images
Reece Walsh received some ‘feedback’ from the Queensland hierarchy. Picture: Getty Images

Queensland coach Billy Slater has no interest in giving the Blues unnecessary ammunition and is cultivating a Maroons ethos underpinned by respect and the ancient African term ‘Ubuntu’ - showing humanity to others.

Walsh has become an Origin villain to the Blues.

It is understood Blues players are filthy on Walsh making ‘shoosh’ gestures with his finger after Queensland’s win in Game One. The NSW camp also took note of Walsh doing a karate-style mid-air kick catching a bomb and pulling Jarome Luai’s hair.

Smith said the Maroons have spoken to Walsh about his adrenaline-fuelled comments about the Blues.

“We saw those comments, yeah,” he said.

“I think Reece got a little bit of feedback and he has learnt from that.

“He won’t make that mistake again.

“I saw Reece in the foyer this morning and he had a big smile on his face, so he is ready to go.”

Maroons assistant coach Cameron Smith had a chat with Walsh. Picture: Getty Images
Maroons assistant coach Cameron Smith had a chat with Walsh. Picture: Getty Images

Walsh last week spoke of his regret at criticising the Blues, admitting emotions got the better of him in Adelaide.

“The emotions were high coming off a win,” he said.

“There was a lot of stuff said about me during the week and I probably let that get too far ahead of myself.

“At the end of the day, I love Queensland and I love putting on this jersey. I love going to battle.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for anyone that puts on a jersey, goes out there and puts their body on the line for their teammates, state and families.

“I’ll look forward to the challenges. That’s what comes with being a fullback and doing my job.”

Smith said the Maroons were 1-17 “at this stage”, but hasn’t ruled out a late change that could see Reuben Cotter pitchforked into the starting side ahead of Jeremiah Nanai, who is tipped to start from the bench.

MUNSTER HAS SOME HORRIBLE ORIGIN HISTORY TO OVERCOME

- Peter Badel and Travis Meyn

The new King of Queensland is back at his castle and ready to lead the Maroons to State of Origin glory.

Cameron Munster will play his first Origin match at Suncorp Stadium in two years when the Maroons look to clinch back-to-back series victories against the NSW Blues on Wednesday night.

A sea of Maroon among the 52,000 screaming fans at The Cauldron is a world away from the rental house Munster was curled up in during the Covid isolation which ruled him out of Queensland’s epic decider win on home soil last year.

Now he wants redemption after missing out on the 2022 Suncorp soiree.

Munster, 28, was sitting in an Airbnb with patchy internet on the Sunshine Coast after testing positive to Covid along with teammate Murray Taulagi just days before the decider.

The Maroons were written off without their champion five-eighth but conjured an unlikely 22-12 victory with debutant Tom Dearden starring in Munster’s absence.

Cameron Munster wants to wrap up the series on friendly soil. Picture: Getty Images
Cameron Munster wants to wrap up the series on friendly soil. Picture: Getty Images

But Munster must rewrite the history books if Queensland is to wrap up the series before a trip to Sydney on July 12 for the finale.

The Maroons have lost game two in all of the past five series – with Munster the only current Queenslander to have featured in every one of those defeats.

“I’ve won every game I’ve played at Suncorp, bar one,” he said.

“I don’t mind Suncorp so hopefully I can go out there and rewrite history and prove all the critics wrong that I’m not just a game one or game three player.

“The Blues are pretty much playing their grand final when you think about it.

“I really want to make sure I can go two-nil up in a series. That is something I’ve never had before.

“We don’t want to put pressure on ourselves in game three in front of a hostile crowd.”

THE MAN TASKED WITH KEEPING THE NSW BLUES SAFE ON CAXTON ST

– Dean Ritchie

Meet the smiling security guard tasked with protecting $12m worth of NSW rugby league talent.

Koniseti Liutai – or simply Koni to players – is the man who keeps the State of Origin Blues safe and away from trouble.

If you spot a NSW player, Liutai won’t be far away.

More than just a hardened security guard, Liutai has become a friend and confidant to many players, who often call him “uncle.”

The 53-year-old has been a much-loved member of NSW’s behind-the-scenes family for the past nine years.

(L-R) Tyson Frizell, Koniseti Liutai and Brian To'o (right). Picture: Sam Ruttyn
(L-R) Tyson Frizell, Koniseti Liutai and Brian To'o (right). Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“I am always looking out for the players and making sure when we go out they are safe and that they keep a good image for the game,” Liutai said.

“As their security, I basically escort them everywhere they go and keep an eye on them when we’re out in public or socialising.

“I have been fortunate that the guys give me some respect and hold me in a category of being able to talk to. Sometimes I get to share their triumphs and troubles.

“I’ve become a shoulder to lean on every now and then and someone to have a giggle with. Some of the boys call me uncle.

“I drop everything to be here. If I was overseas, I would jump on a plane to be here. I love it. I am close to all the players.”

COWBOY UP: CLUBMATES PROMISE TO TARGET LONE BLUE

– Travis Meyn

Queensland’s Cowboys contingent have vowed to give Blues debutant Reece Robson a brutal welcome to the Origin furnace.

Robson is expected to be thrust into NSW’s starting side in Wednesday night’s sudden-death Origin blockbuster against Queensland at Suncorp Stadium.

Robson, 25, will become just the fourth Cowboys player to pull on a Blues Origin jersey in the club’s 28-year history.

Tim Brasher was the first in 2000 followed by Origin madman Luke O’Donnell (2006) and Kiwi convert James Tamou (2012).

He will confront four of his Cowboys teammates in Reuben Cotter, Valentine Holmes, Murray Taulagi and Jeremiah Nanai – and they won’t be doing him any favours in league’s toughest arena.

North Queensland Origin representatives Val Holmes (L) and Reece Robson (R).
North Queensland Origin representatives Val Holmes (L) and Reece Robson (R).

“He’s built for this game. It’s been a long time coming for Robbo,” Holmes said.

“He’s worked really hard on his craft and I’m excited to see how he goes.

“I was very happy for him to get selected, but he’s on the other side. He’s not my mate for that 80 minutes.

“There’s four Cowboys in this team and one of him. He’ll have a few of us to look out for.”

Game one man-of-the-match Cotter will come face-to-face with Robson in the middle third and vowed to get stuck into his Cowboys teammate.

“He’s a great player, I’m excited to see how he goes,” he said.

“It’s well-deserved and has been a long time coming for him. He is physical and I love that about him. I try to be as physical as I can, playing in the middle.

“He does a lot for our team defensively and works harder than anyone else.

“If he runs at me I’ll be keen to get under him.”

EXPERTS TIPS: WINNER, MARGIN AND MORE

Pamela Whaley

Queensland by 14

Why: History alone says NSW can’t beat the Maroons at home with a series on the line, but no Mitchell, Cleary or Koroisau makes it even harder.

Man of the match: Cameron Munster

First try: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

Michael Carayannis

NSW by 1

Why: In one of the great Origin moments, NSW a primed to do a Queensland on Queensland to keep the series alive.

Man of the match: James Tedesco

First try: Tyson Frizell

Dean Ritchie

NSW by 8

Why: Dismissed, condemned and criticised, the NSW side have united in a bid to pull off one of the great upsets in Origin history.

Man of the match: Junior Paulo

First try: Josh Addo-Carr

Peter Badel

Queensland by 16

Why: The Blues will sorely miss Latrell Mitchell and Nathan Cleary. Maroons aces Cameron Munster and Reece Walsh will weave their magic to wrap up the series.

Man of the match: Reece Walsh

First try: Xavier Coates

Phil Rothfield

NSW by 6

Why: This is probably a tip more from the heart. However, if the Blues can get some 50/50 calls go their way, if Mitchell Moses steps up and if Payne Haas can dominate in the middle, who knows? An upset is on the cards.

Man of the match: Payne Haas

First try: Tom Trbojevic

Fatima Kdouh

NSW by 8

Why: Like he’s done before for Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium, Payne Haas will help carry the Blues to victory in a breakout Origin performance.

Man of match: Payne Haas

First try: Stephen Crichton

David Riccio

NSW by 6

Why: History beckons. The Blues bombed three certain tries in Adelaide. Even a marginal improvement will be enough to square the series.

Man of the match: Mitchell Moses

First try: Xavier Coates

Travis Meyn

Queensland by 6

Why: I made a fool of myself tipping the Blues in Adelaide and I won’t make the same mistake twice.

Man of the match: Cameron Munster

First try: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

Paul Crawley

Queensland by 8

Why: As much as I’d love to see the Blues keep the series alive I just can’t see it happening at Suncorp Stadium without Nathan Cleary and Latrell Mitchell.

Man of the match: Cameron Munster

First try: Xavier Coates

Brent Read

Queensland by 2

Why: The Maroons will be backed by a crowd of 50,000 screaming Queenslanders and that should be enough, along with the class of Reece Walsh, to get them over the line.

Man of the match: Reece Walsh

First try: Xavier Coates

Originally published as State of Origin Game 2: QLD Maroons win 32-6 over NSW Blues

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