The MCG will play host to Wednesday's State of Origin game between New South Wales Blues and Queensland Maroons. The game kicks off at 8:05 pm with the New South Wales Blues heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the New South Wales Blues vs. Queensland Maroons game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Wednesday June 26, 2024 at 8:05 pm
Where: Melbourne Cricket Ground
Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE
New South Wales Blues vs Queensland Maroons Odds
New South Wales Blues vs Queensland Maroons Preview
It’s a make-or-break moment for NSW and coach Michael Maguire as they face Queensland in Origin II. After a disappointing loss in the opener, Maguire has made significant changes to the team, including Dylan Edwards debuting for James Tedesco and Latrell Mitchell returning at centre. Mitchell Moses replaces Nicho Hynes, and Cameron Murray returns from injury.
Despite these adjustments, concerns remain over the pack’s balance and bench composition. Both teams face pressure, with Queensland also making strategic changes. The stats favor teams bouncing back in Origin after heavy defeats, and NSW has a strong record in game twos on neutral ground.
Mitchell Moses’s kicking game will be crucial, and players like Latrell Mitchell, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, and Stephen Crichton bring try-scoring prowess. Expect a high-scoring encounter given recent trends in neutral ground Origins and referee Ashley Klein’s officiating history.
Overall, NSW enters as favorites, but they must deliver to keep their series hopes alive against a resilient Queensland side.
Head To Head Bet
We're tipping New South Wales Blues to win at $1.78 odds.
First Try Scorer
First Try Scorer: Brian To'o at $10.
New South Wales Blues vs Queensland Maroons Teams
New South Wales: 1 James Tedesco, 2 Brian To’o, 3 Stephen Crichton, 4 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 5 Zac Lomax, 6 Jarome Luai, 7 Nicho Hynes, 8 Jake Trbojevic, 9 Reece Robson, 10 Payne Haas, 11 Liam Martin, 12 Angus Crichton, 13 Cameron McInnes. Bench: 14 Isaah Yeo, 15 Haumole Olakau’atu, 16 Spencer Leniu, 17 Hudson Young Reserves: 18 Matt Burton, 19 Luke Keary, 20 Mitchell Barnett.
Queensland: 1 Reece Walsh, 2 Xavier Coates, 3 Valentine Holmes, 4 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 5 Murray Taulagi, 6 Tom Dearden, 7 Daly Cherry-Evans, 8 Reuben Cotter, 9 Ben Hunt, 10 Lindsay Collins, 11 Jaydn Su’A, 12 Jeremiah Nanai, 13 Patrick Carrigan, Bench: 14 Harry Grant, 15 Moeaki Fotuaika, 16 J’maine Hopgood, 17 Selwyn Cobbo Reserves: 18 Felise Kaufusi, 19 Brendan Piakura, 20 Ezra Mam.
