New South Wales Dominates Game Two

New South Wales dominated the first half of Game two of the 2024 State of Origin, decisively defeating Queensland 38-18 and thus setting the stage for a crucial match in Brisbane next month. Queensland, the defending champions, found themselves in a daunting 34-0 deficit at halftime, marking the largest halftime margin in Origin history, thanks to tries by Liam Martin, Brian To’o (2), Zac Lomax (2), and Latrell Mitchell.

Despite Queensland’s second-half resurgence with tries from Nanai, Tabuai-Fidow, and Taulagi, New South Wales maintained their grip on the game, ultimately securing victory with Dylan Edwards scoring their seventh try.

Mitchell Moses, honored as the player of the match, credited their success to a simple yet effective game plan. “We stuck to it, got to our spots, kicked to the corners, and played straightforward footy,” he remarked. Looking ahead to Game three, Moses acknowledged areas for improvement despite their commanding performance.

The series decider is scheduled for July 17 at 11:05 (BST) in Brisbane.

Line-ups:

New South Wales featured Edwards, To’o, Mitchell, S Crichton, Lomax, Luai, Moses, J Trbojevic, Robson, Haas, Martin, A Crichton and Murray, with Watson, Yeo, Olakau’atu, and Leniu as substitutes.

Queensland included Walsh, Coates, Holmes, Tabuai-Fidow, Taulagi, Dearden, Cherry-Evans, Cotter, B Hunt, Collins, Su’a, Nanai, and Carrigan, with Grant, Fotuaika, Kaufusi and Capewell coming off the bench.