We’re heading to a decider! Just when you think Queensland has sewn it up, with a runaway try, NSW bounce right back and send the series to Game 3 in Brisbane with a 26-18 victory.
It was a strong performance from the Blues, with a dominant last quarter earning them an eight-point win.
More Origin 2:
» State of Origin full time report
» Origin highlights, scores, blog
» State of Origin results
» MCG sets record Origin crowd
» Video ref denies Queensland controversial try
The Blues had the first opportunity of the match, with a knock on and penalty from Queensland in the opening sets ensured pressure was heaped on the Maroons. They couldn’t withstand the early onslaught, with Blues centre Michael Jennings slipping through the defence to open the scoring.
Trent Hodkinson converted the try to give NSW a 6-0 lead.
STATE OF ORIGIN LIVE SCORES – GAME 2
Some interplay between Daly Cherry-Evans and Johnathan Thurston led to a try for prop Matt Scott. It was set up by skipper Cameron Smith and Corey Parker who offloaded to Scott who crashed over under the sticks to give Queensland their first try.
Thurston converted to level things up in the 12th minute.
There was a brief moment of panic for the Blues as NSW captain Paul Gallen left the field with rib pain midway through the second half. Gallen had already missed the first Origin game of the series through injury, but returned later in the half .
NSW centre Josh Morris claimed the second try for the Blues, with the referees ruling his forearm and hand grasping the ball good enough for a try out wide after a high kick from Mitchell Pearce.
Hodkinson converted from a difficult position to make it 12-6 after 27 minutes.
Inglis went 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 and took the the score to 12-10.
Paul Gallen elected to take the two points from 20 metres out, halfway to the touchline.
NSW went into the half time break with a 14-10 lead.
A huge play from Cameron Smith and Thurston early in the second half saw NSW camped in their 20-metre zone early, and after three consecutive sets it took brilliant footwork from backrower Matt Gillett to split the NSW defence and score near the post.
The conversion was good, and Queensland led 16-14.
Although Queensland looked to be regaining the momentum a mistake from Will Chambers put the Maroons under pressure for two consecutive sets. They managed to resist the pressure and hold their line.
A Thurston penalty goal extended the lead to four points for the Maroons in the 57th minute, and it seemed like the Blues were letting the game meander beyond their reach.
But Aaron Woods was having none of it. He hit the ball at pace close to the line, shrugged off Matt Scott and Billy Slater to score next to the posts for NSW.
That gave them a 20-18 lead, with 18 minutes to play.
The record MCG Origin Crowd of over 91,000 grew in voice as the crescendo of the match approached, and Greg Inglis hared away after a lost ball from Mitchell Pearce. But it was called back due to a knock on, in another of those Origin moments that will be endlessly dissected by fans in the days to come.
Another knock on from Morgan meant more pressure on the Maroons, and it told, as Josh Dugan slammed the ball down for the Blues to take an eight-point lead with just ten minutes to play.
Uncharacteristic errors from Johnathan Thurston saw the Maroons not able to respond, with NSW earning their win.
We head to a decider in Brisbane, with the winner to be crowned State of Origin champions for 2015.
WHAT THE PLAYERS AND ANALYSTS THOUGHT OF ORIGIN II
NSW SKIPPER PAUL GALLEN SPEAKS OF BEING IN INJURY TROUBLE WITH HIS RIBS.
“Nate got me early in the back and it didn’t hurt … probably about five or ten minutes later I felt something pop so I went and got it needled up. I lasted the game but I’ll see how it pulls up tomorrow.NSW COACH LAURIE DALEY ENHANCED THE BAD NEWS ON GALLEN, ESPECIALLY FOR SHARKS FANS
“I think he popped a rib cartilage. The doctor thinks he will be OK for the next game but I’m unsure if he plays for Cronulla in between.”DALEY ALSO HAD SOME BAD NEWS IN STORE FOR QUEENSLAND
“We didn’t play as well as we wanted to in game one, Queensland were too good. Tonight we knew we had to knuckle down to the task and we did that and it was a strong performance – but we know we can be a lot better.”
MAN OF THE MATCH MICHAEL JENNINGS FELT IT WAS THE BEST REPRESENTATIVE PERFORMANCE OF HIS CAREER
“Yeah, I can say that. And it’s good to get man of the match.“We came into camp and my main focus was to get more ball in my hands – credit to Hodko (Trent Hodkinson). He has done a great job and I can’t thank him enough.”
HODKINSON GAVE THE LOVE STRAIGHT BACK
“Yeah, we gave Jenko a bit of ball … he’s outstanding on his feet. He terrorised their right side tonight. I thought Hoffy (Ryan Hoffman), Jenko and Brett (Morris) were all really good.”
MAROONS LEGEND PAUL VAUTIN DIDN’T LOVE THE QUEENSLAND DEFENCE
“The on the line defence tonight was very soft for Queensland.”
THE KEY BENEFICIARY OF THAT, AARON WOODS DIDN’T MIND
“The try was the best ever, I couldn’t believe I got over.”
QUEENSLAND CAPTAIN CAM SMITH STOPPED SHORT OF SAYING GREG INGLIS SHOULD HAVE HAD A TRY, BUT WILL AIM UP IN ORIGIN III
“It was a 50-50 call. I thought it (the ball) went backwards (off Nate Myles), but I’m wearing a Maroon jersey.
“We lost our way a couple of times. The effort’s been great but we have to fix some execution things.”
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Was Josh Morris playing injured?
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
I guess one of my big criticisms of NSW has been that Qld get dubious calls, but still find a way to win the game...whereas when NSW gets dubious calls, it all falls apart. The most encouraging thing about last night was that NSW got some questionable ones (as did Qld just so we're clear) , but, for the first time in very...very...long time, they held it together and took the apples. Which is why I think NSW might actually take it out again this year. The big obstacles are obviously Cronk and Lang Park.
vadar
Guest
Dont forget the ref walking NSW up the field in the last 10minutes and ensuring they camp there until the game was over - What a farce. I tuned to watch footy and NOT a rehearsed outcome. What a F A R C E
Bluebag
Guest
Duran Duran?
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
I hasten to add that I was wrong last year with the analysis. If I'm being honest with myself, I've thought that Qld will always win if the two teams play to their total theoretical potential, given the array of talent they have. The thing is tho, Qld just haven't for a long time, a lot of which has come from NSW not letting them. I underestimated this last year, thinking that they wouldn't lose anything with the DCE inclusion...and that magnificent performance by Hayne. Geez I'm a fan. He could have been the best ever. Possibly still could be. I dunno what we'll bicker about once Gallen retires. Which hopefully is soon. I reckon Gallen could say "Rothfield has the IQ of a mosquito" and Buzz would then proclaim "outstanding analysis, Paul, well said".
Renegade
Roar Guru
LOL we've been down this path before JH. Gallen is a walk-up start mate, everyone knows it.... QLD powderpuff pack would have killed for his leadership last night. I wrote on ROC's article the other day that i tipped QLD 3-0 at the start of the series but as we got closer to game 2 at the G that started to change to the point where i felt NSW was going to produce the ambush and by Tuesday i'd tipped them to win .... Gallen's influence on that was enormous by taking on QLD and copping a flogging from their media - ineffectively taking all the pressure from his teammates and he just said 'follow me'. And like yourself, I think the series is deadset up for grabs.... back at home QLD should no doubt be given the favourites tag and if Cronk is back deservedly so. I think all the pressure is on QLD though so i'd probably prefer to be in NSW position right now - but they've got a massive job still to do.
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
I don't have to sell the argument because it sells itself. And , OK, since you've put out the invitation about bias, here you go: "Am Not, You Are". Let's now do this 17 times in a row and call it a debate. And "courier mail"...however will I recover from such condemnation. (I can never get on to the website, too much of a tight@rse). Although, surely you'd concede it has more source credibility than Paul Gallen's Mum's Facebook page. Anyway, good win last night. I always ask myself this question with tipping and analysis: "who's position would you rather be in?" For the first time in about 7 years I honestly don't know. I reckon this could be the Blues year again. My view is that credibility comes from winning consecutive series. So see how we go.
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
No excuse (!)
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Ah, the evils of gambling...
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
England vs New Zealand...
Renegade
Roar Guru
You're other mate Sam Thaiday bent the line so much he made 37 metres... Pick him again as well, maybe he can help Gal lace his boots.
theHunter
Guest
I always though Hunt was going to play this year...Meninga is probably going to retire after JT retires of Origin, he is too scared to experiment on other players. With the Inglis try, it is a knock on, any player whose back is to the opposite goal and mis-carries the ball is a knock on...he pulled the ball out while facing his own goal and it only went back coz Pearce was still trying to pull back on it....
Renegade
Roar Guru
All the NSW forwards were better than the QLD pack so what's your point? Hopefully you make DCE the scapegoat and pick Parker, Myles and Hodges again - that'd be great! ;)
Jay C
Roar Guru
Hahaha. Yeah. OK. Gallen was amazing. He broke all the tables and kicked a field goal. Just unstoppable. If it wasn't for Cordner he would have been your best forward.
Renegade
Roar Guru
I was expecting this after the game and I know you were watching on your phone so you probably couldn't tell but his stomach is not his back.... Didn't happen once. The slowest play the balls last night were from matt scott, Nate Myles and Corey Parker... Parker is too old just like his team mate Justin hodges - apart from being grubs both offered absolutely nothing.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Haha. It happens every time he gets the ball. He never once got close to the advantage line. Rolled on his back every time and got up like a fallen nanna.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Hunt should be there. The two have been on opposite trajectories for a couple years now.
Jay C
Roar Guru
DCE really struggles in rep teams. He looked out of sync all night. Every pass was either behind him or in front. He never seemed to be in the right position. Chambers played his first dud game. At the end of the day, the two teams were pretty even. The best team won, and is sys up a cracker in Brisbane.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Didn't happen once last night.
Jay C
Roar Guru
I love Gallen being there. It means at least 1 tackle per set qld get an easy tackle and a slow play the ball.