State of Origin Series Heats Up as Blues Target Game II Victory
New South Wales has a prime opportunity to reclaim the State of Origin men’s shield on Wednesday night as Game II of the highly anticipated series unfolds at the renowned Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Blues staged a remarkable comeback in Game I, overcoming a significant 20-point deficit to secure a dramatic victory. A pivotal moment in that match was the controversial sending off of Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga, which significantly impacted the game’s trajectory.
Queensland now faces a must-win scenario to keep their series aspirations alive heading into the final match, slated to be held in Brisbane. Here’s a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know ahead of Game II’s kick-off this Wednesday, June 17.
Where to Watch State of Origin Game II
The broadcast rights for the entire State of Origin series are held by the Nine Network. Game II will be broadcast live on Channel Nine and is also available for streaming online via 9Now. For those seeking live updates and commentary, a dedicated live blog will be available, featuring expert analysis from prominent figures in the sport.
State of Origin Game II Kick-Off Times
The official kick-off for State of Origin Game II is scheduled for the following times across various regions:
- 8:05 PM: New South Wales, Queensland, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Tasmania, Papua New Guinea
- 7:35 PM: South Australia, Northern Territory
- 6:05 PM: Western Australia
- 10:05 PM: New Zealand, Fiji
- 11:05 PM: Samoa, Tonga
- 12:05 AM: Cook Islands
Recap of Game I: A Historic Comeback
Game I saw New South Wales achieve what is now considered the largest comeback in State of Origin history. Trailing by 20 points, the Blues rallied to a thrilling 22-20 victory at Stadium Australia in Sydney. Queensland had established a commanding 20-0 lead in the first half and held a 20-6 advantage at halftime.
The turning point of the match occurred in the 57th minute when Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga was shown a red card for a shoulder charge that made contact with the head of Blues winger Tolutau Koula. With 12 men for the remaining 23 minutes, Queensland struggled to defend their 14-point lead. However, the Blues capitalized, scoring three crucial tries, including a match-winning effort from fullback James Tedesco in the 79th minute, to snatch the win.
State of Origin Game II Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground
Game II will be contested on neutral ground, though historical data suggests the Melbourne Cricket Ground has often favored New South Wales. This marks the first time the MCG has hosted a State of Origin match since 2024. The iconic venue has a rich history with the series, having hosted six previous State of Origin encounters, with the Blues emerging victorious in five of those contests.
Past State of Origin Results at the MCG:
- 1994: NSW def. Queensland 14-0
- 1995: Queensland def. NSW 20-12
- 1997: NSW def. Queensland 15-14
- 2015: NSW def. Queensland 26-18
- 2018: NSW def. Queensland 22-12
- 2024: NSW def. Queensland 38-18
Upcoming State of Origin Fixtures
The State of Origin series concludes with Game III, scheduled for Wednesday, July 8, at Lang Park in Brisbane, Queensland.
