QUEENSLAND MAROONS

The Queensland Maroons are desperate to keep the Ampol State of Origin series alive when the contest shifts west to Perth for Game Two, however coach Billy Slater has shit the bed after losing Origin I. The Maroons have long preached about a pick-and-stick culture, which was evident through their dynasty between 2006 and 2017. But now in a kneejerk reaction, Daly Cherry-Evans has been dropped from the Origin II squad, with Tom Dearden starting at number seven.

It is the first time in almost 30 years that a Queensland captain has been dropped mid-series. The leak of Cherry-Evans' demotion from the Queensland camp is deeply concerning for their chances and sounds the alarm bells. In Cherry-Evans’ absence, Cameron Munster has been appointed Queensland captain.

Second-rower Beau Fermor has also been dropped, with the Warriors Kurt Capewell returning to the side and Kurt Mann the new number 14, with Dearden at halfback. Slater promoted lock Trent Loiero to the starting side in place of Patrick Carrigan who will begin the match on the interchange. Back-rower Jeremiah Nanai has also been relegated to the bench with Kurt Capewell straight back into the starting side in his Origin recall. Dearden has started in the halves four times previously for Queensland, after first partnering Cherry-Evans in the Maroons' 2022 series-decider success. He is a playmaker who has developed into a sharp attacking ball runner, and boy, the Maroons will need something special from him on Wednesday night.

Valentine Holmes and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow have also traded places, with Holmes shifting to centre and Tabuai-Fidow to the wing. The changes mean Queensland will roll out two new edges for this week's, do-or-die clash. History is against the Maroons, with the side losing both games played at Optus Stadium but Slater is confident his team can flip the script in WA.

QUEENSLAND TEAM

1. Kalyn Ponga (Knights)

2. Xavier Coates (Storm)

3. Robert Toia (Roosters)

4. Valentine Holmes (Cowboys)

5. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins)

6. Cameron Munster (c) (Storm)

7. Tom Dearden (Cowboys)

8. Moeaki Fotuaika (Titans)

9. Harry Grant (Storm)

10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (Titans)

11. Reuben Cotter (Cowboys)

12. Kurt Capewell (Warriors)

13. Trent Loiero (Storm)

14. Kurt Mann (Bulldogs)

15. Lindsay Collins (Roosters)

16. Jeremiah Nanai (Cowboys)

17. Patrick Carrigan (Broncos)

NEW SOUTH WALES BLUES

Jarome Luai will replace Mitch Moses as NSW’s five-eighth for the State of Origin Game 2 after a calf strain dashed Moses’s hopes of playing. Luai played five-eighth in all three games of NSW’s 2024 series win and has featured alongside NSW halfback Cleary at Origin level six times already. The pair also won four consecutive NRL premierships together at Penrith before Luai joined the Tigers this season.

The upcoming match between the two teams will likely be influenced by the first encounter, with Blues rookie Max King taking over for the injured Mitch Barnett in the starting lineup. Stefano Utoikamanu has been added to the bench. Recalled Blues enforcer, Utoikamanu has waited two years for Origin redemption and won’t be letting anyone stop him, including Storm teammates Harry Grant and Cameron Munster. Additionally Bulldogs second-rower Jacob Preston has been called into the Westpac NSW Blues as 20th man to replace injured Rabbitohs forward Keaon Koloamatangi who was injured on Sunday night.

Expect another barnstorming display from the Blues forwards which laid the platform in Origin I. With Ill discipline from the Maroons forwards, the Blues were able to capitalise, laying on the pressure until they eventually cracked. Would be a brave man to bet against the Blues going up 2-0, although if the Maroons can compete and put on some points in the first half, then it may be closer then imagined. Nonetheless, the Blues hold the upper hand and will want to dominate Game 2 to prove their credentials.

NSW TEAM

1. Dylan Edwards (Panthers)

2. Brian To’o (Panthers)

3. Stephen Crichton (Bulldogs)

4. Latrell Mitchell (Rabbitohs)

5. Zac Lomax (Eels)

6. Jerome Luai (Tigers)

7. Nathan Cleary (Panthers)

8. Max King (Warriors)

9. Reece Robson (Cowboys)

10. Payne Haas (Broncos)

11. Liam Martin (Panthers)

12. Angus Crichton (Roosters)

13. Isaah Yeo (c) (Panthers)

14. Connor Watson (Roosters)

15. Spencer Leniu (Roosters)

16. Hudson Young (Raiders)

17. Stefano Utoikamanu (Storm)

PREDICTION - Game I turned out the way we thought it would with the Blues dominating proceedings and Game 2 could easily go the same way in Perth. Which ever way you look at it the Blues will be full of confidence. NSW have won both Origin clashes played in Perth by 32-point margins, so it’ a venue they clearly enjoy. Queensland coach Billy Slater has thrown the lifesavers into the sea - Daly Cherry-Evans dropped, Tom Dearden in at halfback, Cameron Munster named captain, and several players shifted around the backline. The changes feel more panicked than planned, with question marks hanging over the combinations and defensive matchups. NSW dominated the stat sheet in Game 1 - more possession, better field position, fewer errors - and with history and form on their side, they’ll be tough to stop.

BLUES - 13+ Points margin

BLUES - 26 - 10 Scoreline

LIAM MARTIN - Anytime try scorer