Blues Dominate Maroons in Origin II at the MCG

In a thrilling State of Origin II showdown at the MCG, New South Wales showcased dominance over Queensland with a mesmerizing performance on the field. Both teams, led by Michael Maguire and Billy Slater, stuck to their initial squad announcements, finalizing their line-ups for the intense battle.

The Blues had Dylan Edwards, Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton, Latrell Mitchell, Zac Lomax, Jarome Luai, Mitchell Moses, Jake Trbojevic, Reece Robson, Payne Haas, Liam Martin, Angus Crichton, Cameron Murray, Connor Watson, Isaah Yeo, Haumole Olakau’atu, Spencer Leniu, and Mitch Barnett as the 18th man. On the other side, the Maroons fielded Reece Walsh, Xavier Coates, Valentine Holmes, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Murray Taulagi, Tom Dearden, Daly Cherry-Evans, Reuben Cotter, Ben Hunt, Lindsay Collins, Jaydn Su’A, Jeremiah Nanai, Patrick Carrigan, Harry Grant, Moeaki Fotuaika, Felise Kaufusi, Kurt Capewell, with Dane Gagai as the reserve player.

The match kicked off with a whirlwind of action as NSW’s Zac Lomax and Brian To’o shone, capitalizing on the Blues’ strong start. Lomax’s precision with kicks and To’o’s finishing saw the Blues take an early lead, leaving the Maroons scrambling to catch up.

As the game progressed, NSW maintained their momentum, with players like Jake Trbojevic commanding the field and the Maroons struggling to find their footing. The Blues’ solid defensive efforts and strategic plays kept Queensland at bay, showcasing a formidable display of skill and teamwork.

Despite the Maroons’ attempts to rally and fight back, it was evident that New South Wales had come prepared and determined to secure a victory. The relentless pressure from the Blues left Queensland facing an uphill battle, with NSW’s depth and resilience proving to be key factors in their commanding performance.

Ultimately, the match culminated in a resounding victory for New South Wales, solidifying their status as a force to be reckoned with in the State of Origin series. The MCG bore witness to a thrilling display of rugby league prowess, with the Blues emerging triumphant over their Queensland rivals.