The dust has settled on the opening State of Origin match of the series where Queensland recorded a commanding 38-10 win over New South Wales in enemy territory.
The Maroons capitalised on a Joseph Suaalii send-off in the opening minutes to pile on the points with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow the main beneficiary as he bagged a hat-trick in the bloodbath.
So, attention now turns to Melbourne where the Blues will attempt to keep the series alive in the do-or-die clash.
Michael Maguire endured a miserable introduction into Origin footy. But will the coach elect to stick strong with his side like he did when he was in charge of the New Zealand national team last year, or will he ring the changes?
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Take a look at our predicted team lists for Game 2 of the 2024 State of Origin series below:
Queensland Maroons predicted team list for Game 2
1. Reece Walsh
2. Xavier Coates
3. Valentine Holmes
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Tom Dearden
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Reuben Cotter
9. Ben Hunt
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Jaydn Su’A
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Patrick Carrigan
14. Harry Grant
15. Moeaki Fotuaika
16. J’maine Hopgood
17. Selwyn Cobbo
Maroons team news:
Reece Walsh lasted just seven minutes of the Origin opener before he copped a sickening high shot from Suaalii that saw him sidelined for the rest of the contest.
The Broncos fullback will miss his club’s two games in between Origin matches but is likely to be named regardless by Slater.
Murray Taulagi returns from a rest last week when Todd Payten opted not to play the Cowboys winger after he suffered a shoulder issue in Origin I.
Ben Hunt crossed for the first try of the match in Game I after combining with DCE around the ruck and is likely to start at the MCG ahead of Harry Grant.
J’maine Hopgood suffered injury issues while backing up for the Eels after Origin I and will have to be closely monitored. Felise Kaufusi is likely to be his replacement if he is ruled out ahead of David Fifita.
Selwyn Cobbo‘s inclusion on the pine proved to be important in hindsight after he was forced into the action in the opening exchanges after Walsh was taken from the field.
New South Wales Blues predicted team list for Game 2
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Brian To’o
3. Stephen Crichton
4. Latrell Mitchell
5. Zac Lomax
6. Jarome Luai
7. Mitch Moses
8. Jake Trbojevic
9. Reece Robson
10. Payne Haas
11. Liam Martin
12. Angus Crichton
13. Cameron McInnes
14. Isaah Yeo
15. Haumole Olakau’atu
16. Spencer Leniu
17. Matt Burton
Blues team news:
Dylan Edwards will try to prove his fitness this week after being a late withdrawal from Game I due to a quad injury he picked up in training.
The fullback will likely replace James Tedesco if he gets through the Penrith game against Newcastle unscathed.
Joseph Suaalii endured a horror debut after becoming just the sixth player in Origin history to be sent from the field.
Latrell Mitchell is firming for a recall at left centre, with Bradman Best and Jesse Ramien also in the mix.
Zac Lomax was impressive on debut and is assured of keeping his spot after the hamstring injury to Josh Addo-Carr.
Mitch Moses is back on deck after missing two months of the season due to a foot injury. Nicho Hynes and Jarome Luai were picked in the halves but will face pressure from the Parramatta halfback after underwhelming displays in Origin I.
Jake Trbojevic was only used for 30 minutes across two stints in the middle after being named skipper but will remain up front.
Reece Robson got through the full game at hooker and came up with a number of big defensive plays to likely keep Api Koroisau at bay.
Matt Burton may be promoted from 18th man and given a spot on the bench for his ability to cover in the centres and in the halves after the side struggled to adapt their defensive structures after Suaalii’s send-off.
Alternatively, Cameron Murray could be in contention for Game II after returning from a hip flexor issue this weekend.
Liam Martin could be shifted onto the bench and be used through the middle for his bone-rattling hits, although a foot injury has the Penrith star in doubt for Game II.
That could potentially open the door for Olakau’atu to start and Mitch Barnett to come into the 17.
