Slater Faces Questioning Over Controversial Squad Decision Ahead of State of Origin II

State of Origin arrives in Melbourne with the stakes high for NSW as they face a must-win situation at the iconic MCG following their first-game loss to the Maroons. With Blues coach Michael Maguire making strategic changes, such as swapping Nicho Hynes for Mitchell Moses and James Tedesco for Dylan Edwards, the pressure is on for the team to adapt and perform.

On the other side, Queensland coach Billy Slater raised eyebrows with his unexpected decision to exclude Game 1 standout Selwyn Cobbo from the squad, a move that has sparked discussion and critique within the rugby league community.

The full squad for both teams will be unveiled just before kick-off, adding to the anticipation and excitement surrounding the game. Fans and analysts await the final line-ups to see how the adjustments made by the coaches will affect the on-field dynamics and strategies.

The Blues will look to players like Brian To’o, Latrell Mitchell, Jarome Luai, and Jake Trbojevic to step up and lead the team to a much-needed victory. Meanwhile, the Maroons will rely on talents such as Valentine Holmes, Daly Cherry-Evans, and Felise Kaufusi to maintain their winning streak and secure the series.

As the countdown to kick-off continues, the stage is set for a thrilling and intense showdown at the MCG, where the outcome of State of Origin II could potentially shape the rest of the series and impact the players’ legacies.