Queensland runs rampant in dominant second half victory

• LISTEN LIVE TO GAME 2 WITH SEN
• Kick-off is at 8:05pm AEST
• NSW lead the series 1-0
• The Maroons have not won a game at the MCG since 1995

Welcome to SEN.com.au's live blog of Game 2 of this year's State of Origin series between NSW and Queensland.

It's the first time that the series has been back at the Melbourne Cricket Ground since 2024, and what a match we have in store.

After completing the biggest comeback in series history in Game 1, NSW are just one win away from reclaiming the shield.

But if we've learnt anything in State of Origin's history, you should never count out Queensland, especially when they have their backs against the wall.

Make sure to listen to and follow all the action with SEN.com.au as we capture all the big moments from the MCG.

10:06pm - FULL TIME

The series remains ALIVE.

After a tight first half where the Blues lead, the Maroons ran over the top and then some.

Queensland scored 36 points in 40 minutes, which broke the game open thanks to Selwyn Cobbo's three tries, alongside the spine humming perfectly.

They were so dominant that they didn't need to use Reece Walsh, which is telling.

In just his second game in the Origin arena, Sam Walker has picked up the man of the match medal.

The Roosters half managed a perfect 8/8 from the tee.

QLD 44-24 NSW

10:03pm - TRY - NSW

It won't count for much but the Blues have made sure to finish off the match with a positive.

With a set restart in their half, NSW make it an effective one.

Mitch Barnett is the try scorer as he hits the hole, and with a short pass from Cam Murray, he bursts through to cross over.

Cleary adds an extra two to bring it to 20 points.

But Jimmy Smith makes his feelings known about it.

Smith: "It's papering over the cracks."

QLD 44-24 NSW

9:58pm - TRY - QLD

Queensland scores another try on the left-hand side.

With a set restart within the 10, the Maroons make the most of it with a quick play from Cam Munster, a touch pass from Kalyn Ponga to the Hammer which goes to Selywn Cobbo.

And once again, it's Cobbo who scores the four points, which marks his third try of the match.

That's the 13th time that a player has scored a hat-trick in State of Origin history.

It's the seventh time that a Maroon has done it. The last time it happened was with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow back in 2024.

QLD 44-18 NSW

9:50pm - TRY - QLD

And Queensland makes the most of the extra man advantage with Lindsay Collins crossing through.

Harry Grant makes a quick play of the ball, seeing him set up Collins for what you'd imagine is the match sealer.

Sam Walker has continued his impressive kicking performance having converted seven from seven.

The Maroons look set to break their MCG hoodoo.

QLD 38-18 NSW

9:43pm - TRY - QLD

The Maroons have it back to ensure they keep the lead in the double digits thanks to Hamiso Tabuia-Fidow.

Ponga gets the pass off just in time, which sets the Hammer through for a try.

But the news gets worse for the Blues.

Kotoni Staggs has been sent to the bin for a high hit on Ponga.

QLD 32-18 NSW

9:37pm - TRY - NSW

And just as they needed to stem the flow, the Blues have done exactly that.

Having benefitted from a Tommy Flegler error, NSW makes it count with Mark Nawaqanitawase scoring his second try.

Once again, he does it in the right-hand corner.

You'd hardly know that it was his debut with the way he's playing.

The Blues cut the lead down to eight points.

QLD 26-18 NSW

-- 9:32pm - TRY - QLD

Queensland are on a roll here and the Blues need to stem the flow.

It starts with Harry Grant and Kalyn Ponga breaking free on the left-hand side.

The Maroons go from left to right through their spine with Munster laying up the perfect kick into the right-hand corner.

And Jojo Fifita takes a mark that would leave any Melbourian impressed, which he takes down and scores on top of Brian To'o.

It's now a game-high lead of 14 points for the Maroons with just over 20 minutes left.

Can the Blues pull out their Game 1 heroics once again?

QLD 26-12 NSW

9:25pm - TRY - QLD

In the space of five minutes, Selwyn Cobbo has managed to score two tries once again finishing it off on the left edge.

It was a superb set play by the Maroons with Grant passing from the scrum to Sam Walker.

Kalyn Ponga then runs behind the back, gets the ball, and drags in two defenders to open the gap for Cobbo. Simply incredible stuff.

Walker once again converts with the Maroons blowing out the lead to eight points.

QLD 20-12 NSW

9:18pm - TRY - QLD

Straight off a Sam Walker high bomb, Robert Toia brings the ball down and gets to Max Plath.

He then gets it off to Cam Munster.

And in a move that isn't too unfamiliar to the MCG, Munster kicks it into space with two Maroons free as Selwyn Cobbo gets his just deserts to score the try.

Walker continues his perfect night from the tee with Queensland taking the lead for only the second time tonight.

QLD 14 - 12 NSW

9:12pm - The Second Half is underway

9:05pm - Mannah: Nawaqanitawase belongs in Origin

With a try and 130 run metres, Mark Nawaqanitawase has started life for NSW with a bang.

And he's certainly left SEN's Tim Mannah impressed with his first half.

Mannah: "He looks like he belongs there. So comfortable out there."

8:57pm - HALF TIME

We're halfway through Game 2 with the Blues taking a slender four-point lead here at the MCG.

Despite the Maroons scoring with a penalty goal, the Blues scored near instantly thanks to a Tommy Flegler error through Kotoni Staggs before Mark Nawaqanitawase got in on the action.

Nawaqanitawase has looked the best for the Blues, having been the only player in the side to run for more than 100 metres.

In a pleasing sign for Maroons fans, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui is back on the field after a HIA, with Cam Munster appearing back on the bench and appears to be ready to return in the second half.

QLD 8 - 12 NSW

8:42pm - TRY - QLD

The Maroons built some speed from the halfway line, which saw the Hammer break through the line before being stopped by James Tedesco.

Harry Grant kept the momentum going, running the short side to get Queensland within 10 metres.

They move the ball up the right side with Max Plath getting the pass off to Trent Loiero, who crosses over.

Walker adds two more points.

But it's not all positive with Cam Munster being taken for an HIA by the independent doctor.

And he doesn't look happy about it. That sees him join Tino Fa'asuamaleaui in the sheds for an assessment.

QLD 8-12 NSW

8:37pm - Tino off for a HIA

During the midst of the tries, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui has been taken off for a HIA.

Lindsay Collins takes his spot for now.

It's a nervous wait for the Maroons.

8:35pm - TRY - NSW

First Origin match. First try for NSW. What a start for Mark Nawaqanitawase, who scores the Blues' second try.

After getting a set restart, NSW has made the most of it with the Blues going left to right to find Nawaqanitawase open in the corner.

There was plenty of discussion about whether the Roosters winger should be selected, given he's off to Rugby Union next year and won't be a part of the Blues' long-term.

But moments like that will help shrug off the criticism.

Cleary once again converts to extend the lead into double digits.

QLD 2 - 12 NSW

8:26pm - The tension is getting thick

After Hudson Young got Sam Walker with a dangerous tackle, the Maroons were quick to let him know about it.

And just as its about boil over, it simmers down just as quickly.

Queensland gets the penalty but couldn't make the most of it with the grubber a bit too heavy seeing it go out of play.

8:17pm - TRY - NSW

You couldn't ask for a perfect reply with the Blues responding with a try straight off kick-off.

Tommy Flegler drops an absolute dolly after Munster passed it with Mark Nawaqanitawase jumping on the loose ball.

He gets the offload to Kotoni Staggs, who shoves himself across the line to score in essentially the first tackle after the penalty goal.

Nathan Cleary starts his kicking night with a successful conversion.

And just like that, Queensland's momentum is instantly killed.

QLD 2 - 6 NSW

8:16pm - CONVERSION - QLD

Kurt Capewell hit the hole and got deep within the 10

Following that, Nathan Cleary committed a sloppy ball strip on Harry Grant.

Queensland elects to take the early points and Sam Walker slots the conversation with ease.

Once again, the Maroons are on the board first.

QLD 2-0 NSW

8:07pm - The national anthem and Welcome to Country have taken place

We're only moments away from Game II beginning.

NSW is kicking off towards the City End (right of your radio dial)

7:58pm - Melbourne is getting behind the Maroons

The Maroons are the first to run out as they enter through what is traditionally the race for the away team here at the MCG.

During the readings of the teams, there were no surprises that Cam Munster and Harry Grant got the loudest cheers amongst the Melbourne crowd, alongside coach Billy Slater.

There was also a lovely cheer for Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, who is playing today in honour of his father Fereti, who passed away last week.

The Blues have recieved some slight booing showing who the neutrals are supporting.

But NSW does have plenty of support at the City end (right side of the field).

7:50pm - Mannah: NSW must avoid another ambush

Despite the Blues walking away with the win, it can be easy to forget that the Maroons ran out to a 20-nil lead within the first 20 minutes.

And Tim Mannah believes that the forward pack must have a better start to Game Two compared to Game One to ensure they are not ambushed once again.

Mannah: "Really important, though, that the starting pack really lay a foundation."

"If they don't come out of the blocks, it could easily be another ambush by the Queenslanders like they did in game one."

The Blues do welcome Payne Haas into the line-up, which will help make a difference.

7:37pm - The crowd is beginning to fill

We're 30 minutes away from the start of the match.

And the crowd is beginning to fill out all four levels

The NRL is projecting a crowd of 92,000 which would break the capacity record for a State of Origin match at the MCG.

LAST THREE ATTENDANCES

• 90,084 - 2024
• 87,122 - 2018
• 91,513 - 2015

7:05pm - Teams are confirmed

We're an hour away from kick-off and the teams have officially been locked in.

NSW have made six changes to their side while Queensland have just stuck to three.

Queensland INS: Heilum Luki, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Murray Taulagi and Reece Walsh

Queensland OUTS: Ezra Mam, Gehamat Shibasaki and Patrick Carrigan

New South Wales INS: Apisai Koroisau, Dylan Lucas, Jack Bostock, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Mitchell Moses and Payne Haas

New South Wales OUTS: Blayke Brailey, Casey McLean, Jacob Saifiti, Matt Burton and Stephen Crichton

6:32pm - Can Queensland break their MCG curse?

Today marks the 7th game between New South Wales and Queensland played at the MCG.

Despite it being a neutral site, the 'G has been a happy hunting ground for the Blues.

After Queensland won in 1995 under Fatty Vautin, which secured a famous series win, they have not won the last four games here.

With the Blues having the series advantage following a Game 1 win, the pressure is on the Maroons to overcome their poor form at the ground.

5:16pm - The aspect of the Maroons that impressed Webster

NZ Warriors coach Andrew Webster has given his thoughts on where the game will be won between NSW and Queensland.

The 44-year-old thinks the start of the match will have a big impact on who will secure victory in Game 2, given the pressure it will put on the other team.

But while NSW were able to overcome their dreadful start in Game 1, Webster believes they can let that start happen again at the MCG.

"I definitely (think) the start is going to be a big impact," Webster told SEN's Front Office with Vossy.

"I don't think either team want to be chasing (like) the Blues (did) last game.

"I don't think that the amount of possession and dropped balls they had, they can't do that.

"I think if they get in an arm wrestle, both teams, and whoever kicks the ball better and turns it over in good spots.

"But, as you know, in Origin, you don't get many opportunities, and you've got to take them.

"So, whichever team takes them, we'll get that opportunity.

"But I was super impressed with Queensland's work ethic in Game One.

"They were so physical, they worked hard. They put a lot of pressure on the Blues.

"But yeah, whichever team turns the ball over in good spots and goes after them and puts them under pressure and takes the opportunity to win tonight."

4:10pm - Maloney calls out BS surrounding Daley

James Maloney has flatly rejected claims surrounding NSW coach Laurie Daley ahead of Game 2.

Reports have emerged that NSW players have been left unmotivated by Daley's pre-game speeches, which have resulted in the side starting slowly.

This was noted by former Queensland representative Cooper Cronk, who believed that his former teammate and Maroons coach, Billy Slater, has done a far better job in balancing the emotion and discussion of tactics compared to Daley.

But Maloney, who was handed his Origin debut by Daley in 2013, believes it's on the players to get themselves up when representing their state.

"Yeah, I think that's all bull---t quite frankly, " Maloney told SEN's Arvos with Adam Peacock.

"Obviously, it's coming from a Queensland journo that's looking to try and cause issues.

"It's no secret, as we said, they need to get their start right.

"That's not on Loz (Laurie Daley). That's on the players.

"It's not on Loz to get in the sheds beforehand and try to pep them up for a game.

"If you can't get yourself up for an Origin game, then you shouldn't be there.

"Loz needs to give them the clear message of the steps that they need to go through and the steps they need to get right early.

"The motivation and the energy should be all there from the players, so, yeah, looking forward to seeing how they start, because I think it will be a really big focus for them in this game."

2:57pm - Billy or Laurie: Who's under more pressure?

With the pressure cooker that is State of Origin, the two coaches are often the ones bearing the brunt of it.

Coming into the series, Laurie Daley had only won one series in his previous six attempts as coach.

But with the Blues pulling off a miraculous 20-point comeback in front of a raucous Accor Stadium, NSW now has one hand on the shield.

While Billy Slater once again finds himself 1-nil down against the Blues for the second year running.

And with Queensland historically sacking coaches after they have lost two series, the former Storm fullback now finds himself under pressure.

When asked by Andrew Voss who he thought was handling the pressure better, Riccio believes the answer is clear.

"I've gotta say, I think Billy's probably handling it better," Riccio said on SEN's Front Office with Vossy.

"I'll probably only say that and I respect what you're saying in relation to the statistics that suggest that you know, coaches get moved on in Origin. It's so volatile, so intense.

"But I just feel as though with the series in the bank last year, Billy just buys a little bit more time and a little bit more security, with his coaching tenure at Queensland compared to Laurie.

"Laurie's been pretty tactical in the way he has been responding to suggestions and reports prior to this Origin series that win or lose, Laurie is planning to walk away from the head coaching job.

"Now Laurie has been at pains to say 'I'm not answering the question, I'm only focused on this week, next training, this preparation, this camp, and I won't talk about'.

"So he's not giving a definitive answer. If that's the case, well, in all honesty, there's no pressure on Laurie because he's probably already made the decision in his mind that he's going to move on."

2:30pm - How to listen to Game 2 on SEN

SEN will have three different calls of Game 2 which all kick start from 7pm AEST.

For those seeking a biased NSW call, you'll be able to listen to Brenton Speed, Blake Austin and Brett Kimmorley on Blues Radio.

Queenslanders can tune in to Mark Braybrook, Moses Mbye and Corey Parker on Maroons Radio.

While those seeking a neutral call can hear Jimmy Smith, Tim Mannah and Chad Townsend on Origin Live.

All three calls can be accessed through the SEN app, which can sync with the footage from Channel 9 with SEN Sync.