Queensland
32
Match Complete
New South Wales
6
| V. Holmes |  | 75 | ||
| J. Nanai |  | 73 | ||
| V. Holmes | | 65 | ||
| X. Coates | | 64 | ||
| 57 | | S. Crichton | ||
| 57 | | D. Cook | ||
| H. Tabuai-Fidow | | 50 | ||
| V. Holmes | | 44 | ||
| V. Holmes | | 42 | ||
| V. Holmes | | 34 | ||
| M. Taulagi | | 33 | ||
| V. Holmes | | 8 |
| 6 | Tries | 1 | ||
| 4 | Conversions | 1 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
The State of Origin series continues tonight when Queensland take on NSW at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 8:05pm (AEST).
After letting victory slip through their fingers in Game 1, the Blues face the hardest of challenges tonight: beating Queensland in Brisbane. If they can’t achieve that, the 2023 State of Origin series goes to the Maroons.
It’s not that the Blues didn’t have their chances in Adelaide. They had the lion’s share of possession and territory in the first half, but only scored once. Queensland looked more dangerous and made the most of limited opportunities.
If the Blues have a weakness, they are not as mobile as the Queensland pack. Payne Haas and Junior Paulo are both big bodies. Whilst they are strong in terms of yardage, the Queensland pack will look to go around them.
In team changes, Mitch Moses and Damien Cook come in for the injured Nathan Cleary and Api Koroisau respectively. Reece Robson and Stefano Utoikamanu come in for Nicho Hynes and Tevita Pangai jr and will debut from the bench.
Even the most ardent of Blues fan would have to admit that Queensland’s Game 1 win was special. With one in the sin bin and an empty bench, the Maroons still found a way to win. Queesland can find ways to win games that the Blues can’t seem to achieve in return.
First games of Origin series can often be clunky in attack. However, the Maroons ran smoothly. Reece Walsh had an outstanding Origin debut with the Queensland backline outgunning their NSW opponents.
Tom Gilbert, Jai Arrow and Selwyn Cobbo are all missing through injury, with Jeremiah Nanai, Moeaki Fotuaika and Xavier Coates coming in. None are Origin debutants.
Prediction
It’s not overly dramatic to say that Brad Fittler’s coaching career goes on the line tonight.
The Blues will clearly be out to make their own statement; however, the Maroons will be keen to ensure that they don’t need to go to Sydney for the decider.
At home, the Maroons should be too strong,
Queensland by 8 points
Game information
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 8:05pm (AEST)
TV: Channel Nine
Streaming: 9Now
Odds: Queensland $1.46, NSW $2.80 – odds via PlayUp
Teams
Queensland
1. Reece Walsh 2. Xavier Coates 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Cameron Munster 7. Daly Cherry-Evans (c) 8. Lindsay Collins 9. Ben Hunt 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. David Fifita 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Patrick Carrigan
Interchange: 14. Harry Grant 15. Tom Flegler 16. Reuben Cotter 17. Moeaki Fotuaika
Reserves: 18. AJ Brimson 19. Corey Horsburgh
NSW
1. James Tedesco (c) 2. Brian To’o 18. Stephen Crichton 4. Tom Trbojevic 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Jarome Luai 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Junior Paulo 9. Damien Cook 10. Payne Haas 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Hudson Young 13. Isaah Yeo
Interchange: 14. Stefano Utoikamanu 15. Cameron Murray 16. Liam Martin 17. Reece Robson
Reserves: 18. Matt Burton 19. Keaon Koloamatangi
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
:thumbup: Agreed, Freddie isn't forward thinking. I don't have the answers, I'm a pleb in this world, but I think the best selection that NSW can make for 2024 or even the next game is Walker at 5/8. I'd also say Hynes at half but too much chopping and changing. Walker gives instant situation assessment and can adapt to what is happening, creating chances from little. Time for Edwards at FB, Blues don't have stand out options for wingers, Latrell in one centre with Crichton or Graham, Walker 5/8, Haynes or Moses at half (Moses wasn't that bad and handled Fifita). Need Murray on longer, bring in TPJ, maybe another change or two and I prefer Cook at hooker. we'll see
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
One thing we have learned is Turbo should never have been picked - far too injury prone - that ship where Turbo and Latrell were the dominant centres has sailed - beautiful as she was. And that says a lot about Freddie's coaching. Trying to get resurrect something that no longer exists. Whereas Slater looks at current form and trains Queensland to the minute. Billie would have made a great horse trainer. Still might.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Couldn't agree more - as a contest Origin it is burned, bashed and buried. Its become a spectacle that only Queensland supporters can enjoy.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Who? Us or Ch 9? They are flogs - particularly Cameron Smith. Its difficult to watch when they are all so heavily invested in who they used to play for. JT can barely string two words together but is shown jumping up and down hugging Queensland players when a try is scored. Its a joke. Origin is getting close to dying if NSW can't get its act together. Maybe we need Brendon McCullum to come and coach them. Surely someone can do a better job than Freddie. He looks far too casual. In contrast Billy Slater is completely invested. You can see in his reactions how much it means to him but Freddie looks like he's watching a Sunday park game.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Correct. He is slow.
jameswm
Roar Guru
They don't put people in positions based on 100m speed. There is no scale. Some halfbacks in the NRL are going to be faster than some centres. Crichton is slow apparently. I don't really see how DCE gets called brilliant because he happens to be faster than the other guy over 100m.
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
:laughing:
Chas
Roar Rookie
Pretty much all he did, keep picking him Freddy
Chas
Roar Rookie
You're clearly not a Queensland supporter.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
No way. Origin will be huge next year as the NSW media go through their hand wringing stages of 'who will save us' etc. Origin only gets a bit boring when NSW are on top.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
you're right there. Game one was stimulting being even throughout the game. then in the last 10 minutes it was gold for a QLD supporter, out of the grave and ashes we grabbed a last second victory. I was sooo pumped. Last night was a bit ho-hum, rarely felt threatened. Mitchel might be enjoying the thought of being the great Knight in '24, to ride in a save the state...
The Barry
Roar Guru
Hang on… do you reckon “Seriously, do you even watch rugby league?”. was a more than fair comment…? Anyway mate, appreciate your explanation … I think this is worse than the 8 in a row. The gap between the teams is nowhere near as big now as it was then
The Spectator
Roar Guru
Mate I hate the bloke , but fail how to see the lack of support or poor support he had means he did a bad job, ok I’ll say this! If you can’t point out how or why don’t reply!
The Barry
Roar Guru
Nah, you should… classic
Gray-Hand
Roar Rookie
Look at how much time NSW spent inside the Qld 22 in the last two games. You would expect the NSW 6 to have scored 3 tries on his own and have another 5 assists. He’s just … a bit crap.
Gray-Hand
Roar Rookie
Compare Luai’s impact on any origin he has ever played in compared to pretty much anyone else who has played at 6 for either NSW or Queensland. He’s innocuous. Just not any kind of threat. He doesn’t make things happen and he’s not a threat with ball in hand.
butt hole
Roar Rookie
Qld players look pretty elite across the park this year.....
The Spectator
Roar Guru
Joey gagged hopefully!
The Spectator
Roar Guru
Not sure if your a south’s supporter!
The Spectator
Roar Guru
Wow you should be coach next, the position just opened up. Next!