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The New South Wales Blues have claimed their first State of Origin series victory for nine years with a slim 2-point victory in Game 2.
It was far from the greatest game of footy you’ll see but it is arguably the most important for NSW in their long history. They have put to an end Queensland’s run of eight straight series victories and have ended the Maroons hopes of going for 10 straight.
It was a tough arm wrestle to say the least and the Maroons certainly had chances to force a decider coming very close to scoring several tries in the second half.
Thaiday and Tate in particular went so close to scoring. NSW though eventually found the one try they needed to seal the deal nine years in the making!
FINAL SCORE:
NSW 6
QLD 4
After falling short last year, New South Wales get an opportunity to win their first State of Origin series in nine seasons when they host Queensland tonight.
Join The Roar for Origin live scores and commentary from 8.00pm AEST.
Morale is high in the NSW camp after a stirring victory over Queensland at Lang Park – a victory that grants the Blues a terrific chance to wrap up the series in front of 82,000 fans.
Tonight’s contest should be just as tight and enthralling, with both teams very evenly matched across the park.
However, both Mal Meninga and Laurie Daley have opted for some risky selections that could either make or break their teams.
For the Maroons, Billy Slater and Greg Inglis come into tonight’s contest under big injury clouds. Should they succumb to injury, Queensland will be devoid of the attacking class needed to trouble a NSW defence that was superb in the opening game.
Daly Cherry-Evans also starts for the first time in a Queensland jersey, having come off the bench in the opener several weeks back and a full week’s training alongside Johnathan Thurston would have done him the world of good. The Manly half’s performance could very well dictate whether or not Queensland can send this series to a decider.
NSW on the other hand also have injury concerns, particularly over Paul Gallen, who missed last weekend’s match against the Dragons. The Blues however are very well served upfront and should be able to cover any potential injury to their captain.
The selection of Josh Dugan in the centres is somewhat a surprise. He has struggled to find his best form in a poor Dragons side and needs a big game tonight to justify selection.
After starring in game one, Jarryd Hayne once again holds the key to victory for NSW. A strong performance from the Eels fullback will go a long way to helping the Blues seal a famous victory at home.
The Blues will be hoping they can change the course of recent history and secure a drought-breaking Origin victory in Game 2 before a huge home crowd. A loss would certainly put them up against the wall heading to Suncorp for Game 3.
NSW by 8.