State of Origin Game II: A Crucial Matchup
Tonight, the second game of the State of Origin series will take place, with New South Wales (NSW) aiming to reclaim the shield. After a remarkable comeback in Game I, where they overcame a 20-point deficit to win 22-20 at Stadium Australia, the Blues are determined to maintain their momentum. On the other hand, Queensland must secure a victory to keep the series alive and force a decider at Lang Park in three weeks.
Kick-off Times for State of Origin Game II
The kick-off time for Game II varies depending on your location:
- 8:05pm – NSW, Queensland, ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, Papua New Guinea
- 7:35pm – South Australia, Northern Territory
- 6:05pm – Western Australia
- 10:05pm – New Zealand, Fiji
- 11:05pm – Samoa, Tonga
- 12:05am – Cook Islands
Where to Watch State of Origin Game II
The Nine Network holds the broadcast rights for the State of Origin series. Game II will be televised on Channel Nine and streamed online via 9Now. For those who prefer to follow the action through live blogs, the ABC Sport live blog is available. Additionally, fans can listen to the ABC Sport live call with commentator Andrew Moore, featuring expert analysis by Luke Lewis, Matthew Elliot, and John Gibbs, along with Ian Cohen.
What Happened in Game I?
In Game I, NSW delivered one of the most dramatic comebacks in State of Origin history. They overcame a 20-point deficit to win 22-20 at Stadium Australia in Sydney. Queensland started strong, taking a 20-0 lead in the first half and maintaining a 20-6 advantage at halftime. The turning point came in the 57th minute when Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga was sent off for a shoulder charge that made contact with the head of Blues winger Tolutau Koula. This left the visitors down to 12 men for the remaining 23 minutes, desperately trying to hold on to their 14-point lead. However, the Blues scored three tries, including a stunning individual effort from fullback James Tedesco in the 79th minute, which sealed their victory.
Location of State of Origin Game II
Game II will be played in neutral territory, but history suggests the Blues may feel right at home. The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is the venue for this match, marking the first time it has hosted a State of Origin game since 2024. The MCG has previously hosted six State of Origin matches, with the Blues winning five of those:
- 1994: NSW def. Queensland 14-0
- 1995: Queensland def. NSW 20-12
- 1997: NSW def. Queensland 15-14
- 2015: NSW def. Queensland 26-18
- 2018: NSW def. Queensland 22-12
- 2024: NSW def. Queensland 38-18
Who is Playing for the Blues and Maroons?
The teams for Game II will be announced shortly, but the focus remains on the players who have shown their skills in previous games. Both sides will be looking to capitalize on their strengths and make strategic decisions to gain an edge in this high-stakes match.
Other Matches in the Series
The series will continue with Game III scheduled for:
- Wednesday, July 8, Lang Park, Brisbane, Queensland
This final match will determine the overall winner of the State of Origin series, with both teams eager to claim victory and secure their place in the history books.
