State of Origin II: NRL.com experts predictions

NSW can wrap-up the 2018 Holden State of Origin series by beating Queensland at ANZ Stadium on Sunday night. Read what the NRL.com experts think will happen.

Jamie Soward (NRL.com expert)
I said game one was the most important game in the last 15 years for NSW, and now this game takes on even more. They need to go out and start fast and if they get punched in the face they need to absorb that like they did in game one. I'm confident they will. Blues by 22

Michael Chammas (NRL.com chief reporter)
Queensland will be better, but considering NSW weren't brilliant in game one, it's hard to see anything but another Blues victory. Blues by 8

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Mary Konstantopoulos (Ladies Who League) The Blues will win game two thanks to another electrifying performance from James Tedesco, speedy runs out of dummy half and plenty of go forward up front. Blues by 6

Margie McDonald (NRL.com senior reporter)
This just isn't Queensland's year – even the brilliance of Kalyn Ponga and the organisational nous of Billy Slater coming in cannot make up for losing three of your decade-long winning spine in Smith, Cronk, Thurston. I'm still not convinced the Maroons forwards pack have the grunt and leadership to win an Origin. Blues by 2

Andrew Voss (Fox Sports commentator)
While I feel both teams will improve on the series opener, the pressure might just get to the Maroons in a sudden death series situation. And that is when it will hit home that they don't have the likes of Smith, JT or Cronk out there anymore. Look for James Tedesco to star again. Blues by 2

Brad Walter (NRL.com senior reporter)
The new look Blues were too fast and too powerful for Queensland in Origin I and they will be better for having played a game together. Blues by 12

Pam Whaley (Big League editor)
Queensland have done it time and time again. With their backs against the wall and mounting injuries, the scene is perfectly set for another incredible comeback. Also, a kid called Kalyn Ponga can be the spark they missed in game one. Maroons by 4

Paul Suttor (NRL.com Editor)
The Maroons can bounce back if Cameron Munster can reproduce last year's Origin form, otherwise the Blues will romp it in. Maroons by 2

Steve Turner (NRL.com video reporter)
The Blues will be full of confidence following an impressive win in the opening game of the Origin series. Queensland need to improve out of sight. There is no greater opportunity for the Blues than to secure the series on home soil this weekend. Blues by 8 

Katie Brown (NRL.com video reporter)
The Queensland forwards need to step up if they're a chance. NSW are agile, quick and have home ground advantage. They'll be too good. Blues by 16

Zac Bailey (NRL.com video reporter)
In the words of former Blues five-eighth Matty Johns, Sunday night will be 'better than Lego' for NSW, when they wrap up their second series win in 13 years. Blues by 8

Chris Kennedy (NRL.com reporter)
No doubt Queensland will hit back strongly as they did last year but I'm expecting the well-coached Blues to improve as well with Boyd Cordner to take out man of the match. Blues by 7

Alicia Newton (NRL.com reporter)
Expect a similar performance to that of the MCG, up the middle before movement out wide. The hosts need to remain wary of Kalyn Ponga's influence. Blues by 10

Dylan Morris (NRL.com reporter)
The Maroons will bounce back courtesy of brilliant performances from Greg Inglis and Billy Slater, as well as strong control of the field position. Maroons by 4

Neil Cadigan (NRL.com reporter)
Queensland will be better after a less interrupted preparation and Slater's experience but NSW take the momentum and confidence into a home fixture. Will just have the edge. Blues by 8

Andrew Marmont (NRL.com reporter)
Queensland look ripe for the taking here. NSW will win with their speed and skill through the middle and out wide. Blues by 14

Peter Jolly (NRL.com reporter)
The series is on the line which always brings the best out of the Maroons. With the added firepower of Kalyn Ponga and Billy Slater, Queensland will have the spark they were lacking in game one. Lessons will have been learnt and the heart and soul of the Maroons will be on show. Maroons by 8

Scott Hazlewood (NRL.com reporter)
There's no doubt the Queensland side will be better tonight, mind you they were not that far away from a win in game one. The biggest question mark will be how fit some of their stars are. The Blues should go on with the job and wrap up the series. Blues by 6

Tanisha Stanton (NRL.com reporter)
The Blues will dominate all over the park. The NSW forwards are aggressive, fit and can play 70-80 minutes each. Damien Cook's speed will again be too quick for a tired Maroons pack and the NSW outside backs will step up another level tonight. Blues by 12