New South Wales has a prime opportunity to reclaim the men’s State of Origin shield on Wednesday night as Game II of the highly anticipated series unfolds at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Blues orchestrated a remarkable comeback in Game I, overturning a significant 20-point deficit to secure victory. A pivotal moment in that match was the send-off of Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga, which significantly altered the game’s momentum.
Series on the Line for Queensland
For Queensland, a win is essential to keep their State of Origin aspirations alive and force a deciding Game III, scheduled to be held in Brisbane. Rugby league enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting kick-off for Game II, with all eyes on the action this Wednesday, June 17.
Where to Watch State of Origin Game II
Broadcast rights for the State of Origin series are held by the Nine Network. Game II will be televised live on Channel Nine and will also be available for streaming online via 9Now. For those wanting to follow the live action and commentary, dedicated live blogs are available. Listeners can tune in for a live call of the game, featuring expert analysis from a panel of seasoned commentators and former players.
State of Origin Game II Kick-Off Times
Kick-off for State of Origin Game II is scheduled for the following times across various regions:
- 8:05 PM: New South Wales, Queensland, ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, Papua New Guinea
- 7:35 PM: South Australia, Northern Territory
- 6:05 PM: Western Australia
- 10:05 PM: New Zealand, Fiji
- 11:05 PM: Samoa, Tonga
- 12:05 AM: Cook Islands
Recap of Game I: A Historic Comeback
Game I witnessed one of the most significant comebacks in State of Origin history. New South Wales staged an incredible recovery, erasing a 20-point deficit to ultimately triumph 22-20 at Stadium Australia in Sydney. Queensland had established a commanding 20-0 lead in the first half, maintaining a 20-6 advantage at the break. However, the trajectory of the match shifted dramatically in the 57th minute. Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga was shown a red card for a shoulder charge that made contact with the head of Blues winger Tolutau Koula. Reduced to 12 men for the final 23 minutes, Queensland valiantly defended their 14-point lead. Despite their efforts, the Blues capitalized, scoring three tries, including a match-winning effort from fullback James Tedesco in the 79th minute, to snatch a dramatic victory.
Game II Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground
Game II of the series will be contested on neutral ground, though historical statistics suggest the Melbourne Cricket Ground has historically favored New South Wales. This marks the first time the MCG has hosted a State of Origin match since 2015. Across the six State of Origin encounters held at the MCG, New South Wales has emerged victorious in five of them.
Past State of Origin Matches at the MCG:
- 1994: NSW defeated Queensland 14-0
- 1995: Queensland defeated NSW 20-12
- 1997: NSW defeated Queensland 15-14
- 2015: NSW defeated Queensland 26-18
- 2018: NSW defeated Queensland 22-12
- 2024: NSW defeated Queensland 38-18
Upcoming Fixtures
The State of Origin series concludes with Game III, scheduled for Wednesday, July 8, at Lang Park in Brisbane, Queensland.
