Everything you need to know: State of Origin 2024, Game II predictions

For the Blues, Latrell Mitchell is headlining a raft of changes, with the Rabbitohs superstar heading for his first Origin appearance since 2021 after being named in the centers to replace the suspended Joseph Sua’ali’i.

Dylan Edwards will make his Origin debut for NSW at the age of 28 after a quad injury ruled him out of Game 1. Connor Watson, Mitchell Moses and Cameron Murray were also called in.

Where is it?

Origin returns to the MCG for the first time since 2018, when the Blues won 22-12. The MCG has hosted four previous State of Origin matches, while Melbourne has also hosted the Olympic Park and Etihad Stadium.

Are Warriors playing?

Kurt Capewell has been named in the hub for Queensland. He is playing his first Origin game since 2022 and has been selected for his reliability and versatility. While he was second rower for the Warriors, he played in centers for the Maroons. Will be used on the edge as an outside defender if the Maroons have an injury.

Mitch Barnett is the Blues’ 18th man.

Elsewhere, former Warrior Reece Walsh is in Queensland’s No.1 jersey, as a loose connection to the Kiwi club.

Kay matches?

Mitchell Moses vs. Daly Cherry-Evans

Two halfbacks who participate in Wednesday evening’s game in varying form. Moses has struggled to recapture his best football since a foot injury derailed his season for Parramatta. But he has done enough to convince Michael Maguire that he is the man to replace Nicho Hynes and lead the Blues to victory. Cherry-Evans’ status as a Queensland legend continues to grow following the Manly playmaker’s five-star performance in the series opener.

Latrell Mitchell vs. Valentine Holmes

Mitchell’s return to the NSW set-up has Queensland on edge and no one will expect the Blues center’s presence more than Holmes. Mitchell has made a point of pursuing Will Chambers and Dane Gagai in the past and Holmes, whose form at club level has been patchy in 2024, faces one of the toughest battles of his career. The sparks will fly.

Dylan Edwards vs. Reece Walsh

A battle between two full-backs with contrasting styles. Edwards, who missed his debut in the first game with a quad injury, is a workaholic who will be crucial if the Blues are to win the battle for field position. Walsh, on the other hand, is a magician who can make plays happen at the touch of a button. The Queensland star has not played a game since being subbed off seven minutes into Origin I and will again be a target for the Blues.

Payne Haas vs. Patrick Carrigan

Two Brisbane teammates will lock horns in the middle, with yard-goer Haas having to step up and deliver for a NSW package without punch. Haas’ Origin record is being questioned for the first time this series and against a familiar foe he can make a statement. Carrigan has developed into one of the game’s elite strikers and his ability to combine power with panache will be key to the Maroons’ fortunes.

Connor Watson vs. Harry Grant

Grant has shown he can provide hooker and swing momentum in Queensland’s favor over the past two series, with his willingness to run tormenting the Blues. Watson is set to make his Origin debut and while he provides cover for Maguire on the park, it is believed he will provide cover in dummy half when NSW need to counter Grant’s threat.

Who do the bookmakers support?

The NZ TAB has the Blues as $1.78 favorites, while Queensland will pay $2.05 to win and close out the series.

NSW 1-12 – $2.80

NSW 13+ – $3.90

Queensland 1-12 – $3

Queensland 13+- $5

How to watch?

As always, the Herald will provide live coverage from kick-off at 10.05pm.

Elsewhere, Sky Open will broadcast Game II live and free, as well as the same coverage on Sky Sport 4.

If you want something different, our friends at the Alternative Commentary Collective will also be doing their reporting on Sky Sport 9, from 9:55pm.

State of Origin II predictions

Chris Rattue: NSW 1-12

Nick Bewley: NSW 1-12

Will Toogood: Queensland 1-12

Alex Powell: NSW 1-12

Winston Aldworth: Queensland 1-12

Michael Burgess: NSW 1-12

State of Origin II lineups

New South Wales: 1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Brian To’o, 3. Latrell Mitchell, 4. Stephen Crichton, 5. Zac Lomax, 6. Jarome Luai, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Jake Trbojevic (c), 9 . Reece Robson, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Liam Martin, 12. Angus Crichton, 13. Cameron Murray.

Exchanges: 14. Connor Watson, 15. Isaah Yeo, 16. Haumole Olakau’atu, 17. Spencer Leniu.

Queensland: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Xavier Coates 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Daly Cherry-Evans (c) 8. Reuben Cotter 9. Ben Hunt 10. Lindsay Collins 11 . Jaydn Su’a 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Patrick Carrigan

Exchanges: 14. Harry Grant 15. Moeaki Fotuaika 16. Felise Kaufusi 17. Kurt Capewell.

– With MONKEY