State of Origin - Game 2 Preview & Best Bets🏉
NSW Blues vs. QLD Maroons – Wednesday, June 18 | Optus Stadium, Perth
⚔️ The Battle Resumes: NSW One Win From Glory
The 2025 State of Origin Series heads west to Perth’s Optus Stadium for Game 2, with the New South Wales Blues carrying massive momentum after an 18-6 dismantling of the Queensland Maroons in Game 1 at Suncorp Stadium. Not only did NSW defy the odds to win in Brisbane, they did so with swagger, structure, and star power.
Now, Laurie Daley’s men have a chance to wrap up the series on neutral turf and secure back-to-back series wins - a feat that would shift the balance in a rivalry long dominated by Queensland.
🏆State of Origin: Australia’s Premier Rugby League Showdown
State of Origin isn’t just sport - it’s a cultural event. With over 40 years of fierce rivalry, it pits players against their state of birthright, delivering intensity and tribalism like no other event in Australian sport.
- 📺 Massive Viewership every year
- 🏟 Sold-out stadiums across three states
- 🔥 Unmatched intensity, often eclipsing even international rugby league
🔁 Recap: Game I - NSW 18 def. QLD 6 (Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane)
In front of a parochial home crowd, Queensland looked to impose their will early, but NSW’s discipline and backline brilliance saw them pull away in the second half. Dylan Edwards was electric at the back, while Cleary and Moses controlled the tempo with surgical precision.
The Maroons were gallant but lacked cohesion, with their attack looking blunt against a swarming Blues defence. For Game 2, expect Queensland to bring desperation, and maybe a few surprises.
🧠 Key Tactical Storylines
Forward Dominance: NSW Packs the Punch
NSW’s pack, led by Payne Haas, Liam Martin, and Angus Crichton, delivered big meters and big moments. They’ll look to dominate again, especially with impact off the bench from Spencer Leniu and Stefano Utoikamanu.
QLD’s forwards, by contrast, worked hard but lacked power post-contact. Patrick Carrigan’s move to the bench might signal a shake-up to boost go-forward.
Playmaker Edge: Cleary + Moses > Munster + Dearden?
NSW boasts the most intelligent halves pairing in the game. Nathan Cleary and Mitchell Moses offer structure, poise, and elite kicking. Queensland’s Munster and Dearden are dangerous when the game breaks open—but can they out-think NSW when it tightens?
X-Factor Out Wide
- Latrell Mitchell with typical Origin ferocity - he’s a game-breaker.
- Stephen Crichton continues to evolve into a big-game player.
- Valentine Holmes and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow need to find more ball and more space to tilt the series.
🧩 Intangibles & Psychological Pressure
- Queensland’s Home Loss in Game I hurts. Expect emotional fire from the Maroons, who know another loss ends the series.
- NSW’s Growing Composure, especially with Cleary and Mitchell back, has them peaking at the right time.
- Optus Stadium Factor: The neutral venue in Perth is traditionally balanced - but NSW’s Game I win means they’ve already proven they can win away from home.
🔮 Prediction & Betting Tips
Prediction: NSW 22 – QLD 14
NSW simply has more weapons across the park and looks more settled. But if Queensland can ignite early, this one could become a thriller.
Top Betting Picks
- Total Points OVER 41.5 – $1.90
- Latrell Mitchell – Anytime Try Scorer – $2.20
- Valentine Holmes – Anytime Try Scorer – $3.16
Find full betting markets here
📋 Game Details
- Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2025
- Kick-off: 10:05 AM UTC
- Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
🏟 Team Line-ups – Game I
🔴 Queensland Maroons
- Fullback: Kalyn Ponga
- Wingers: Xavier Coates, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
- Centres: Robert Toia, Valentine Holmes
- Halves: Cameron Munster, Tom Dearden
- Props: Moeaki Fotuaika, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
- Hooker: Harry Grant
- Second Row: Reuben Cotter, Kurt Capewell
- Lock: Trent Loiero
- Interchange: Kurt Mann, Lindsay Collins, Jeremiah Nanai, Patrick Carrigan
🔵 New South Wales Blues
- Fullback: Dylan Edwards
- Wingers: Brian To'o, Zac Lomax
- Centres: Stephen Crichton, Latrell Mitchell
- Halves: Mitchell Moses, Nathan Cleary
- Props: Max King, Payne Haas
- Hooker: Reece Robson
- Second Row: Liam Martin, Angus Crichton
- Lock: Isaah Yeo
- Interchange: Connor Watson, Spencer Leniu, Hudson Young, Stefano Utoikamanu
🧭 Series Outlook
If NSW wins: Series over, redemption sealed, and back-to-back triumphs.
If QLD wins: We go to Game 3 at Accor Stadium, and history says anything can happen in a decider.
📆 Full Series Schedule
- Game I: May 28 – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane ✅
- Game II: June 18 – Optus Stadium, Perth
- Game III: July 9 – Accor Stadium, Sydney
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