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State of Origin Game II: NSW Blues, QLD Maroons Confirmed Teams for Tonight's MCG Clash
Cameron Murray will again start on the bench as NSW chase a series-clinching win, while Payne Haas returns to the Blues pack.
- The NSW Blues aim to clinch the State of Origin series on Wednesday night at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, facing Queensland after securing a 22-20 victory in Sydney.
- Coach Laurie Daley rejected calls to elevate captain Cameron Murray, confirming the South Sydney skipper will remain on the bench to maintain the team's tactical structure.
- Returning to the starting lineup, Payne Haas will provide early physical momentum after missing game one through injury, while Newcastle's Dylan Lucas makes his maiden Origin appearance in the starting 13.
- Queensland coach Billy Slater has retained fullback Kalyn Ponga despite his costly send-off in the opener, as the Maroons look to force a deciding Game III.
- Wednesday night's clash offers the Blues a chance to secure the title, attempting to overcome recent slow starts after trailing 20-6 in the 2026 series opener before mounting the biggest comeback in Origin history.
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Sydney Morning HeraldReposted by 
The Age
The AgeThe Herald’s experts have their say ahead of Origin II
Will the Blues wrap up the series in Melbourne or will the Maroons send it to a decider? Our experts have their say on who will win Origin II and why, ahead of kick-off at the MCG tonight.
·North Sydney, Australia
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources10
Leaning Left4Leaning Right1Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Left
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources lean Left
67% Left
L 67%
C 17%
R 16%
Factuality
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