While Queensland felt the pressure in game one from a plucky New South Wales side, the talented Maroons will look to roll on at the Blues home turf.
The clash takes place at ANZ Stadium, where traditionally, the Blues have been strong. However, whatever hoodoo New South Wales held has been torn apart over the last two series, with Queensland winning two of the last three games played in Sydney.
The last clash at the stadium was a 24-28 win for Queensland who swept the 2010 series 3-0, having beaten the Blues twice at home.
NSW coach Ricky Stuart has made six changes to the side that were beaten at Suncorp with four forced changes due to injury, most notably bringing in replacement fullback Anthony Minichello for Josh Dugan. Minichello who was last seen in Blue in 2007.
Stuart also brings back to Origin Jarryd Hayne, Kurt Gidley, Luke Lewis, Anthony Watmough, while Will Hopoate makes his debut at just nineteen. Paul Gallen moves to the front row alongside Tim Mannah.
Queensland coach Mal Meniga had the luxury of calling up the now-fit star centre Greg Inglis into a side already burgeoning with talent, and brings David Taylor onto the bench in place of Jacob Lillyman.
Log on for pre-game chat, follow the scores, and join the debate from 7.30pm for the kick off at 8.00pm (live on Channel Nine – AEST)
State of Origin 2011 teams:
New South Wales Blues ($2.25): Anthony Minichello, Jarryd Hayne, Will Hopoate, Mark Gasnier, Akuila Uate, Jamie Soward, Mitchell Pearce, Paul Gallen (c), Michael Ennis, Tim Mannah, Beau Scott, Ben Creagh, Greg Bird.
Interchange: Trent Merrin, Kurt Gidley, Anthony Watmough, Luke Lewis
Queensland Maroons ($1.65): Billy Slater, Jharal Yow Yeh, Greg Inglis, Dane Neilsen, Darius Boyd, Darren Lockyer (c), Johnathan Thurston, Ashley Harrison, Sam Thaiday, Nate Myles, Petero Civoniceva, Cameron Smith, Matt Scott
Interchange:
Cooper Cronk, Corey Parker, Ben Hannant, David Taylor
Read all the info for State of Origin 2011
Score Update:
HALF-TIME – NSW 6 QLD 8
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Appreciated the help Capital. "Comments from the Super Coach"
Capital
Guest
Gallen
Capital
Guest
Thanks Tristan
Shep
Guest
it works tho - that ref tonight was sickening. Seemed a bit sus when centrebet had NSW as favourites but with handpicked referee it becomes a little more obvious. Is great to see the series alive but honestly the commentary(all NSW) was less biased than the ref tonight
p.Tah
Guest
Whatever it costs please put me down for one of those Gould filters...
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Great game - we'll have all the analysis tomorrow and the results here: http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/06/15/state-of-origin-2011-game-2-result/
Tony Tannous
Expert
High quality affair Intensity immense Ricky vindicated I might even have 5 mins for Paul Gallen after that
Capital
Guest
Sorry had to change channel before Gould got near the microphone again. You should be allowed to filter out specific commentators - it could be called the Gould filter.
bilbo
Guest
who was man of the match?
Brett McKay
Expert
Soward had just been waiting for the right time to run. 157 minutes seemed about right....
Capital
Guest
Great effort by Gallen, and Soward's kicking game was solid in the second half
Capital
Guest
Well deserved win by the Blues
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Gallen takes another hit up, just seconds to go here and NSW kick it to QLD who can't make any impression! ------------
Capital
Guest
Thurston MIA tonight
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Converts! NSW 18-8
Tristan Rayner
Editor
That's the game for New South Wales - they're home, surely. A win ties the series, with the next game on July 6th at Suncorp. Massive! ------------ 78′ NSW 18 – QLD 8
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Soward busted a tackle to have his arms free and Minichello hit the ball on the burst to score a fantastic game for the fullback. He's been incredible. Kick to come.
Johnno
Guest
Terri Biviano will be happy tonight, Mini will be her hero tonight lol.
Capital
Guest
Great effort against tired lazy defence Good work Soward and well done Mini
Tristan Rayner
Editor