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State of Origin Game 2 half time score: NSW lead Queensland 14-10

Michael Jennings doesn't deserve a Blue jersey this season in his current form. (AAP Image/Joe Castro)
17th June, 2015
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Game 2 of the 2015 State of Origin series kicked off at the MCG, with the Blues looking to square the series after Queensland escaped with a one-point win in the series opener.

The Blues had the first opportunities before supporters could digest the pre-game entertainment, given a penalty in the opening set.

A knock on from Queensland in the following set ensured more pressure was heaped on the Maroons, who couldn’t withstand the early onslaught and Blues centre Michael Jennings slipped between some uncharacteristically lazy defenders to open the scoring.

More Origin 2:
» State of Origin full time report
» Origin highlights, scores, blog
» State of Origin results
» MCG sets record Origin crowd

Trent Hodkinson converted the try to give NSW a 6-0 lead.

STATE OF ORIGIN LIVE SCORES – GAME 2

A scrappy section of play was followed by a penalty on a set for Queensland as they worked their way out of their own half.

Some promising interplay between Daly Cherry-Evans and Johnathan Thurston led to a slick passing exchange, from skipper Cameron Smith to Corey Parker who offloaded to Scott who crashed over under the sticks.

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Thurston converted to level things up in the 12th minute.

With Queenslanders and New South Welshmen hobbling around, there was a moment of panic for the Blues as NSW captain Paul Gallen left the field with rib pain. Gallen had already missed the first Origin game of the series through injury.

Matt Scott celebrates scoring for the Maroons Matt Scott celebrates scoring for the Maroons (Image: Joe Castro / AAP)

He was back on the field, however, not long after, but not before things started to erupt, with the first hint of genuine conflict in Origin in two years. A feud between James Tamou and Billy Slater started things, but it soon cooled down as the referees got involved.

NSW centre Josh Morris claimed the second try for the Blues, and with the forearm still in contact with the ball, the referees ruled that good enough for a try out wide after a high kick from Mitchell Pearce.

It was a brilliant putdown considering the pressure coming from Thurston and Greg Inglis.

Hodkinson converted from a difficult position to make it 12-6 after 27 minutes.

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Some promising lead-up work from Greg Inglis was squandered by Justin Hodges for the Maroons, but they weren’t to be denied on their next opportunity, with Inglis going over to score after a slick backline move from Thurston, Inglis, Slater and Boyd. It was the brilliance many have come to expect from Queensland’s backline.

Two penalties in a row gave NSW the final opportunity of the half, with Paul Gallen electing to take the two points from 20 metres out, halfway to the touchline.

The referees had a big say in the opening half, making sure both teams remained disciplined in their defence. It made for an entertaining first 40 minutes of football.

NSW went into the half time break with a 14-10 lead.

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