State of Origin 2026 is heading to a decider after the Queensland Maroons tore NSW apart 44-24 at the MCG on Wednesday night.
Blues coach Laurie Daley made a host of controversial changes heading into the MCG clash, including replacing Origin I star Ethan Strange for an undercooked Mitch Moses and dumping Manly star Haumole Olakau’atu altogether.
Billy Slater had some tricks up his sleeve as well, recalling Broncos star Reece Walsh despite his questionable form and moving Cowboys forward Reuben Cotter from the edge to lock.
While Walsh never saw the field, it was just another case of how the Maroons have kept the Blues guessing at every junction so far this series.
NSW will have to regroup quickly as well, with the decider to be held at the Queensland fortress of Suncorp Stadium in three weeks time.
Here are the stars of Origin II, and those who would probably wish they could have their time over again.
NSW Blues
1. James Tedesco – 7
The evergreen Blues fullback once again held off the challenge of Penrith’s Dylan Edwards and was classy from the first whistle. Did not put a foot wrong in this clash either, but was powerless to stop the second half avalanche that buried the Blues.
2. Brian To’o – 4
Saved a Robert Toia try as Sam Walked probed behind the NSW line once again with short kicks that had them on edge. Was targeted by the taller Queensland players and struggled to put his stamp in the game once again, after a flurry of errors in Game I. Not under threat of losing his spot yet, but will need to show improvement in the decider if the Blues are to claim the Shield.
3. Tolutau Koula – 5
Pushed into the centres after the late withdrawal of Casey McLean. Was solid in the first match before he was ruled out with concussion after THAT Kalyn Ponga hit. For the most part, did his job. But was on the back foot for much of the second half, like most of his teammates.
4. Kotoni Staggs – 1
Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs was full of enthusiasm, but that was also his undoing
Blues winger Mark Nawaqanitawase celebrates after beating Kalyn Ponga to score a try
Burst over for the Blues’ first try after Maroons prop Thomas Flegler dropped his lollies cold off a kick off. His enthusiasm led to a ball flying over the sideline soon after, putting his side under more pressure. Fluffed another chance that would have put Nawaqanitawase away down the wing as he tried just a little too hard. Copped a spray from Nathan Cleary for slapping the ball out of bounds instead of making a play for it. Was binned with the game on the line after putting a late shot on Kalyn Ponga, and was duly sent off for his trouble.
5. Mark Nawaqanitawase – 8.5
Brought into the starting side after Penrith star Casey McLean was ruled out during the week with a thigh injury. The former Wallaby demanded selection and showed why, dishing off for Staggs’ try and proving a handful in the middle and on the edge. Fortune favours the brave, and the dual-code star scored his first Origin try after a Nathan Cleary kick, ricocheted off Cam Munster. Was within a centimetre of another but planted the ball on the sideline. Found his second on debut in the second half, beating three defenders to get there.
6. Mitchell Moses – 5
Mitchell Moses was recalled to the side after missing Origin I through injury, but struggled in the second half as the Maroons took control
Nathan Cleary had a horror night in defence and could not gain any ascendency in the second half as Queensland enjoyed all of the possession
Was brought into the side despite not playing a minute of footy since Round 11, replacing Ethan Strange despite his heroics in the first Origin clash. He showed why with his long kicking game winning the yardage battle for the Blues, even when they struggled to ruck it up. Lacked influence in the second half but the weight of possession against the Blues didn’t make it easy.
7. Nathan Cleary – 3
As if the Penrith great wasn’t under enough pressure, he came into this match managing a hip pointer suffered in Game I. Gave away an early penalty swotting at the arm of Harry Grant to gift Queensland first points via a penalty goal. Great vision and even better pass to find Nawaqanitawase for the Blues’ second try. But his kicking game was nowhere to be seen and his defence was even more absent. Had already missed 10 tackles when he was bamboozled by Lindsay Collins – a prop.
8. Payne Haas – 5
A huge return to the engine room for the best prop in the game after missing the opening clash in Sydney through injury. At least, that’s what Blues supporters were hoping for. Haas was well below his best in a forward pack that was well beaten – especially in the second half.
9. Reece Robson – 6
Questions will be asked for the decider, after Robson only made two runs for 15 metres and didn’t kick at all during this heavy defeat. His defensive steel is unquestionable, but commentators were all left scratching their heads that Api Koroisau did not come onto the field at all. Cronulla Sharks hooker Blayke Brailey will be pushing for an early return from a broken arm as well, so the pressure could be on the NSW and Australian stalwart.
10. Mitch Barnett – 5
Scored a consolation try at the death, but lacked impact in this match. Gets extra points for a perfect night in defence, but there was a genuine lack of punch from the Warriors forward on the offensive end.
11. Hudson Young – 5
Played 80 minutes for the first time in his Origin career in Game I. An over-enthusiastic tackle clipped Sam Walker high and Queensland’s Briton Nikora was not impressed. Really walked the line between aggression and foul play with a number of questionable tackles allowed by Klein.
12. Dylan Lucas – 5
The most controversial selection of all, replacing Haumole Olakau’atu despite the rampaging Manly forward putting in a monster of a game at Accor Stadium. Willing in defence in the first half but struggled for impact with ball in hand, like most of the NSW pack.
13. Isaah Yeo – 5
There had been nagging rumours the Penrith star was set to be benched for Cameron Murray, but held onto his starting spot. With a glaring lack of big hit ups and tackles, that might change for Origin III.
Interchange:
Victor Radley came onto the field full of aggression but gave away consecutive penalties for high shots
14. Cameron Murray – 7
Fans continue to scream for Murray to get a starting jersey, even as the Souths skipper defends his Origin coach and his selection choices. Ultimately played 45 minutes off the bench and featured mostly in defence, with 33 tackles and no misses. Not bad for a side that got whacked in the second half.
15. Victor Radley – 2
Was put in report just after coming onto the field for a high shot on Trent Loeiro, perhaps lucky to stay on the field. Penalised for another high shot, this time on Nikora, as he tested referee Ashley Klein’s patience. Needs to find that balance between aggressive and lunatic at this level.
16. Addin Fonua-Blake – 5
It seemingly took an age for NSW coach Laurie Daley to send his bench into the fray and AFB did not have much of a chance to make an impact.
17. Apisai Koroisau – N/A
DNP
18. Ethan Strange – 5
One of the stars of Game I, he had to bide his time in Melbourne, finally injected for the final 15 minutes of the match. Tried his best but the match was already gone.
19. Jack Bostock – N/A
DNP
Queensland Maroons
1. Kalyn Ponga – 9
Kalyn Ponga repaid the faith coach Billy Slater put in him with a huge Origin II performance
Came into this clash with redemption on his mind. The Maroons had Game I well in their control until Ponga’s controversial send off, and with Reece Walsh back in the squad, the pressure was on. Was put under immediate pressure in the air by Mitch Moses. Stood up to the early tough stuff and was a nightmare for the Blues defence in the second half. Laid off for Cobbo to score and put on the bust that set up the Fifita try.
2. Selwyn Cobbo – 9
Acted as an extra forward for much of the first half and did not shirk the workload. Did every well to deny Mark Nawaqanitawase what looked to be a certain try. Troubled the NSW line every time he had the ball in hand in a roaring return to his very best form. Finally got his reward in the second half when Munster found him unmarked on the left flank. Minutes later he had his second, definitely reward for effort. And the big unit from Cherbourg put the Blues to the sword with his third.
3. Robert Toia – 7.5
It’s hard to believe that Toia has only played 33 NRL games, he is already an Origin veteran. Three tackle breaks and 20-something tackles to lock up his edge, another strong performance from the Roosters youngster.
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow – 8
Space was hard to find early for the Hammer, but he eventually caught his opposite centre Kotoni Staggs napping and laid the platform for his side’s first four-pointer. As the game opened up, he found more and more space. Found Cobbo on the wing who kicked inside for the Hammer to score. A lethal combination on that left edge.
5. Jojo Fifita – 8
Held his spot as Billy Slater showed loyalty, despite the return of representative winger Murray Taulagi. Never shirked his workload and was rewarded with the second half try that blew the game wide open. Took it Penrith superstar Brian To’o and emerged as the victor.
6. Cameron Munster – 8.5
Cameron Munster put in a captain’s performance for the Maroons in their huge win in Melbourne
Young halfback Sam Walker showed why he is going to be a Maroon for a very long time
Showed signs of being at his dangerous best early as the Queenslanders signalled their intent to spread the ball and chance their arm. An incredible one-armed pass under pressure led to a spectacular Queensland try. Was filthy when sent for a HIA straight afterwards, but was able to return to start the second half. Was able to return and showed great vision to put Cobbo over and lock the scores up in the second half. My everywhere had his fingerprints all over this victory.
7. Sam Walker – 8.5
Rapidly establishing himself as the long-term No.7 for the Queenslanders with another composed performance. Threatened with his passing game, tormented the defenders with his short kicking game and was flawless when kicking goals to push his side’s lead out even further. Had the ball on a string and showed why he is is no longer heir apparent, he has arrived now.
8. Tom Flegler – 6
An absolute clanger maybe never seen before at this level. Drops the ball cold off the kick off and allows the Blues to stroll over for a gift try. Tackled his heart out but started to gas early as a result and was benched after just 16 minutes. Fortunately that error did not come back to bite him.
9. Harry Grant – 8.5
Crafty around the ruck, tough as old leather boot in defence and involved for most of the match until given a breather in the dying exchanges, giving Max Plath a turn at dummy half. You always know what you are going to get with the Storm hooker and tonight was no different.
10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui – 8.5
Bravely took his place in the team despite the shattering news his father Fereti had died the Saturday before. Copped a head knock from Payne Haas and had to leave the field for a HIA. Was able to return and was one of the best forwards on the field.
11. Briton Nikora – 8
Elevated to the starting side after making his debut in Game I in one of the few changes made by Billy Slater. Showed Hudson Young he was not going to take a backward step after his opposite number man-handled their halfback Sam Walker. Ran hard, made a stack of tackles and showed he has the tough stuff required at this level.
12. Kurt Capewell – 7
The veteran might not have the legs that he used to have, but he is still a workhorse. Barring injury, will start once again at Suncorp Stadium. But it could be an Origin finale with so many talented second-rowers nipping at his heels.
13. Reuben Cotter – 7
Moved from the edge to the lock position he has made his own at the North Queensland Cowboys. Did miss a few tackles, but locked up the middle third for the most part.
Interchange:
14. Max Plath – 8
Started Game I but came off the bench for the MCG clash. Forced to defend in Munster’s spot while he went through concussion protocols. Worked all night, was present in everything and played big minutes off the bench in an inspired performance.
15. Lindsay Collins – 8
Came on for Tino Fa’asuamaleaui after 20 minutes of action. Remonstrated with Radley over his rough tactics and was at his usual bruising best off the bench. Found himself at the centre of controversy in the second half when he lost the ball, but challenged. The Bunker ruled that Hudson Young did not shoulder charge him, but plenty would disagree. Dived over for the match-winning try to send the series to Suncorp Stadium.
16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki – N/A
Came on for the final minutes with the damage already done. Not enough time to warrant a ranking.
17. Trent Loiero – 7
Injected into the fray after just 16 minutes with Flegler sucking in the big ones. Finished off a Queensland movement as good as you will ever see for the Maroons’ first try. Showing rapidly what Billy Slater saw in him to earn his place in the team this series.
18. Reece Walsh – N/A
DNP
