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New South Wales Anthony Minichiello scores a try against Queensland during game 2 of the State of Origin Rugby League series in Sydney, Wednesday, June 15, 2011. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)
New South Wales won the second game of the State of Origin 2011 to keep the series alive going into the third game. Two tries in the second-half to the Blues sealed the game as Queensland were unable to make an impact later into the game.
Origin II Result: New South Wales: 18 Queensland: 8
The game opened with early points to Queensland, a penalty to the Maroons allowing Thurston to kick a penalty goal for Queensland to grab a two point lead.
Shortly after with the Blues on attack a penalty gave Jamie Soward a shot at goal, which dampened a strong push by New South Wales. Soward hit the post to keep Queensland with a two point advantage.
Cameron Smith then made New South Wales pay, barging over from dummy-half for a soft try after twenty-five minutes, to give Queensland a handy 8-0 lead over the Blues.
Luke Lewis then scored for New South Wales from a Mitchell Pearce kick to get the Blues on the board after twenty-eight minutes, and Jamie Soward converted from far on the left touchline to get the game back to within two points.
The game continued with a flurry of attacks, with Uate causing Queensland trouble on the right side of attack, while Inglis and Thurston created headaches for the Blues defence.
However, neither team could get the ball over the line, and the teams went into half-time with New South Wales trailing Queensland by two.
After half-time, Queensland mistakes handed New South Wales the ball, and off a repeat set New South Wales attacked the line with an over-the-top pass from Mitchell Pearce finding winger Will Hopoate, who stretched out brilliantly to touch the ball down for a try with just millimetres to spare.
Soward converted another tough goal and the Blues were up 12-8 with half an hour on the clock.
The game continued to flow back and forth, but New South Wales were let off the hook by the Queensland side which made errors on key plays.
The Blues then sealed the game with just three minutes to go, Jamie Soward making a half-break to pop a ball to a steaming Anthony Minichello who hit the line to score a try on his return game in a strong performance by the fullback.
Soward converted his only easy shot on goal to give the Blues a ten point lead with not enough time on the clock for the Maroons to consider a comeback.
The Origin series moves to Queensland for the final game on July 6th at an already sold-out Suncorp Stadium. The Blues will be buoyed by the win, but will face a tougher task on Queensland home soil.
NSW Captain Paul Gallen was Man of the Match for State of Origin II