New South Wales suffered a heavy defeat in the second game of the State of Origin rugby league series, losing 44-24 to Queensland at the MCG. The article describes the loss as a significant setback for the Blues, who had the opportunity to secure the series but instead face a potential deciding third game at Lang Park. The article highlights the contrast between early optimism and the eventual crushing defeat by Queensland.
Updated June 17, 2026 — 10:19pm, first published 9:14pm
We rate the performances of every player who took the field in Wednesday night’s State of Origin clash in Melbourne.
New South Wales
1. James Tedesco
Safe at the back and busy coming out of his own end as always, but couldn’t produce any real highlight plays this time. 6.5/10
2. Brian To’o
After an error-prone start to Origin I, the tackle-busting winger was back to his usual self coming out of his own end. Did well to defuse one Sam Walker grubber in the first half but his failure to bring down two bombs led to tries in the second half. 5
3. Tolutau Koula
Back in his familiar centre role after impressing on the wing in game one. Ran the ball strongly down the left and made a couple of key tackles under pressure. 6.5
4. Kotoni Staggs
Started the night well with the game’s first try, but it only got worse from there. Made a couple of errors costly in his own half and was sin-binned for a late, high hit on Kalyn Ponga as Queensland ran away with it. 3
5. Mark Nawaqanitawase
The Roosters excitement machine did not take long to make an impact in his first Origin, grabbing a loose ball and offloading to Staggs for the game’s first try. Then scored two more himself – one with almost no room to move – and almost had a third with an acrobatic leap for the corner. 8
6. Mitchell Moses
Took over the bulk of the general play kicking duties in his return, taking some pressure off Cleary with some strong long kicks. 6
7. Nathan Cleary
Created the game’s second try, whipping a terrific long pass to Nawaqanitawase. Fooled at marker by Harry Grant to concede a second-half try. Kicked three goals, including two from the right sideline. 7
8. Payne Haas
Back with a bang after missing Origin I due to injury, Haas produced several big runs as the Blues started much better through the middle than they did in game one. 7
9. Reece Robson
Not a run threat out of dummy half and made an error in the lead-up to Queensland’s second try. Outshone by Harry Grant. 5
10. Mitchell Barnett
Was the Blues’ busiest defender early on in a 20-minute stint, then came back late to score a consolation try. 7
11. Hudson Young
The busiest NSW forward in attack, and the only member of the pack to make more than 100 run metres. Always looked dangerous down the left edge with several tough carries and an offload. 7
12. Dylan Lucas
The Origin debutant was rusty in an unfamiliar right edge role, missing a tackle on Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow in the lead-up to Queensland’s first try and part of a frail right edge where the Maroons threatened repeatedly. 4
13. Isaah Yeo
Rock solid as always in a 70-minute performance with 10 carries and more than 30 tackles. 6.5
14. Cameron Murray
The Souths skipper again made an immediate impact off the bench with tough runs and rapid play-the-balls. Flawless in defence, and laid on a late try for Barnett. Should start next game. 7.5
15. Victor Radley
Came on late in the first half and was penalised twice for high tackles, and put on report for one of them. Was otherwise busy in defence. 5
16. Addin Fonua-Blake
Came on with 25 minutes left, had some strong carries, but was subbed off again 10 minutes later. 5
17. Apisai Koroisau
N/A.
18. Ethan Strange
Came on with 15 minutes left to try to spark an unlikely comeback, but didn’t get much of a chance to have an impact. 5
19. Jack Bostock
N/A.
Queensland
1. Kalyn Ponga
Outstanding under the high ball again. Fairly well contained by the Blues early on but came to life in the second half. 7.5/10
2. Selwyn Cobbo
Has Cobbo played a better game? Scored three tries and laid on another for Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow with a deft kick. Also made several strong carries. 8
3. Robert Toia
Was also well contained by the Blues but went within a whisker of scoring his team’s second try. Defended stoutly throughout. 6.5
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
Opportunities were few and far between until he made the clean break that led to the Maroons’ first-half try. Outstanding second half. 7
5. Jojo Fifita
After a quiet first half, especially in attack, easily out-leaped To’o for his first Origin try. 6.5
6. Cameron Munster
Yet another classy captain’s knock, combining superbly with Walker. Laid on two tries with pinpoint kicks and had a big hand in the Maroons’ first four-pointer, too. 8.5
Queensland skipper Cameron Munster. Getty Images 7. Sam Walker
His second Origin was even better than his first three weeks ago. Flawless with the goalkicking boot, landing seven from seven. Set to be the Maroons’ halfback for the next decade. 8
8. Thomas Flegler
Simple handling error from the kick-off gifted the Blues the opening try, but otherwise solid in his 34-minute stint. 6
9. Harry Grant
Cameron Smith in commentary rated this as Grant’s best Origin performance in some time, with his dummy-half scoots terrorising the Blues. 8
10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
Playing his first game since the death of his beloved father, Fereti, the giant front-rower was a tower of streng…
Read the full article at The Age →Andrew Johns, an NSW rugby league legend, provides insights into what the New South Wales Blues team needs to improve their attacking strategy ahead of the State of Origin decider.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on sports commentary and does not involve political topics or biased framing. It discusses rugby league strategies without taking a political stance.
Andrew Johns, an NSW rugby league legend, provides insights into what the New South Wales Blues need to adjust in their attacking strategy ahead of the State of Origin decider.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on sports commentary and does not involve political topics or biased framing. It discusses strategic advice for a sporting team without taking a political stance.
The article discusses Billy Slater's preparation for the State of Origin rugby league series, highlighting his personal life and the challenges he faced due to an injury to key player Tom Dearden. It mentions Slater's decision to bring in experienced players like Daly Cherry-Evans to fill the void.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on sports commentary and does not take a political stance or show bias toward any political ideology. The content is centered around rugby league strategies and player decisions, which are apolitical in nature.
New South Wales suffered a heavy defeat in the second game of the State of Origin rugby league series, losing 44-24 to Queensland at the MCG. The article describes the loss as a significant setback for the Blues, who had the opportunity to secure the series but instead face a potential deciding third game at Lang Park. The article highlights the contrast between early optimism and the eventual crushing defeat by Queensland.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a straightforward account of the sporting event without overtly favoring either team politically. It uses descriptive language typical of sports journalism, focusing on the performance and outcome of the match rather than any political implications.
The article provides player ratings for the State of Origin rugby league match between New South Wales (Blues) and Queensland (Maroons). It evaluates individual performances, highlighting both strengths and mistakes by players from both teams.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses solely on sports performance evaluations without political commentary, framing, or bias. It presents objective assessments of player actions during a sporting event.
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