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NSW Blues vs Queensland Maroons: 2014 State of Origin Game 2 preview

Hayne will turn up in Blue. (AAP Image/Dan Peled)
16th June, 2014
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Wednesday night will see one of most anticipated clashes in recent Origin history with New South Wales just a win away from their first series victory in eight years.

STATE OF ORIGIN GAME 2 LIVE SCORES

In what will be a sell-out crowd at ANZ stadium, Queensland will be hoping to steal a victory in Sydney and extend the series to a game 3 in Brisbane.

Game 1 of State of Origin saw a classic encounter, with New South Wales coming out on top by a final score of 12 points to 8. In arguably his best performance at Origin level, Jarryd Hayne put on a master class to lead his side home.

MORE ORIGIN:
>> State of Origin Central
>> [WATCH] Highlights from Game 2 2013
>> State of Origin fixture
>> TURNER: Blues skipper Gallen poised for the game of his life
>> [WATCH] Highlights from Game 1 2014

New South Wales have named a virtually unchanged line up for Game 2, with injuries to the Morris twins seeing Josh Dugan and Will Hopoate replace them in the side.

Josh Reynolds was counting his lucky stars after getting away with a dangerous lifting tackle on Brent Tate in Game 1. He will line up on Wednesday night along with Greg Bird who will return to the side after missing the first match of the series due to suspension. Bird’s return will see a shift in the Blues’ line up, with Paul Gallen moving into the front row and James Tamou pushing to the bench.

The Maroons named a 22-man squad after being decimated by injuries. They were dealt a further blow with Corey Parker and Josh Papalii ruled out late.

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With the side already missing halfback Cooper Cronk, they’ll be sweating on the fitness of Daly Cherry-Evans, who is in serious doubt for Game 2 after aggravating a knee injury last Friday against the Bulldogs.

Centre Greg Inglis also limped off in the Rabbitohs match against the Warriors, but is looking like a certain starter for Game 2.

All eyes again will be on New South Wales fullback Jarryd Hayne after his virtuoso performance in Game 1. The Blues will be hoping he’ll be able to repeat his heroics and lead his side home on Wednesday night.

With Daly Cherry Evans looking more and more to miss Wednesday’s match, plenty of pressure will be placed on likely replacement Ben Hunt to lead a Queensland side looking to avoid their first series loss since 2005.

The Blues will enter the match as favourites on Wednesday night but will be wary of a Maroons side that will undoubtedly lift with their backs against the walls.

Join The Roar for live scores and coverage of State of Origin Game 2 from 8:00pm (AEST) on Wednesday night.

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