Origin Two: Blues stun Maroons to take early lead
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The Westpac NSW Blues are looking to wrap up the 2026 State of Origin series while the Queensland Maroons are out to force a decider on their home turf at Suncorp Stadium.
After losing last year's series 2-1, the Blues have given themselves a gilt-edged opportunity to regain the shield courtesy of a heart-stopping 22-20 victory in Game One.
The MCG has been a happy hunting ground for the Blues with wins in five of the six matches played at the iconic venue, including a stunning 38-18 triumph in Game Two in 2024 after leading 34-0 at half-time.
Queensland's only MCG success came in 1995 under the guidance of the great Paul 'Fatty' Vautin, who led a team of underdogs to a famous series sweep of a highly fancied Blues outfit skippered by Brad Fittler.
Follow all the action from Game Two of the 2026 Ampol State of Origin series on NRL.com's live blog.
Blues v Maroons at MCG
Match: Blues v Maroons
Game 2 -
home Team
Blues
away Team
Maroons
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
Blues v Maroons: Game 2
14 min: We go down the other end and Cleary kicks for Nawaqanitawase but the ball is knocked on.
11 min: Queensland are denied a scoring chance after Jojo Fifita knocks the ball on into Brian To'o as they compete for a Sam Walker bomb.
7 min: The Blues have hit back immediately through Kotoni Staggs after Flegler spilled the kick off and Mark Nawaqanitawase picked up the loose ball and passed inside to his centre. Nathan Cleary converted. Blues 6 Maroons 2.
6 min: The first penalty of the match is awarded against Nathan Cleary for knocking the ball out of Harry Grant's hand as he picked it up at dummy half. Sam Walker kicks an easy penalty goal. Maroons 2 Blues 0
2 min: Kalyn Ponga has been put under pressure early and come through with flying colours after leaping high for a Mitchell Moses bomb.
Kick off: James Tedesco has kicked off and Tom Flegler has taken the first hit up for Queensland.
From the sheds
From the bus: Cameron Munster
From the tunnel: Mitchell Moses
Ground Conditions: Good
Weather: Fine
Where are you watching around the world
Late Mail
Blues: Laurie Daley's team will line up 1-19 with no late changes. Haumole Olakau'atu dropped out of the 20-man squad an hour before kick-off.
Maroons: No late changes on game day for the Maroons who line up 1-19. Reserve Heilum Luki made way 60 minutes before kick-off.
Catch up
Great read here by Cameron Mee on Origin's role in the rise of rugby league in Melbourne.
It's unbelievable to think how far we've come. The NRL and Melbourne Storm have dramatically increased the profile of rugby league in Melbourne, but Origin is just on another level even down there.
Frank Ponissi
Colleen Edwards writes about how the Maroons are looking to the spirt of Fatty's Nevilles of 1995.
A lot of Queenslanders still talk about and are very proud of that team. It is a pretty good team to base your game off.
Harry Grant
Kulikefu Finefeuiaki has been the subject of a tug-of-war for his international allegiances between Tonga and Samoa – and that’s just within his family.
My mum was cheering pretty hard when Samoa got up over Tonga. My dad was a bit filthy but he was proud that I was in the Tongan squad and representing not only him but our last name, as well, and our family back in Tonga and all over the world.
Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
Here's Taryn Heddon on the threat of Reece Walsh from the interchange
England named a World Cup squad today that includes Blues forward Victor Radley - but not Ethan Strange
My mum is from England and my grandma is born and raised in New Zealand, as well, so it's cool to have that choice but I want to play for Australia if I get picked.
Ethan Strange
Numbers Game
- The Maroons have won Game Two in six of the past eight series.
- The Blues have taken a 2-0 series lead only five times since 2000.
- James Tedesco will play his 25th Origin to become the third most capped Blues player.
- Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow requires one try to join Valentine Holmes as Origin’s third highest tryscorer.
