State of Origin 2026 line-ups: Predicted NSW and QLD teams for Game II in Melbourne

The series opener in Sydney went the way of NSW 22-20 thanks to a stirring late comeback from the Blues against a 12-man Maroons.

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Now the NSW and Queensland selectors must decide on their sides for the critical Game II of the 2026 State of Origin series in Melbourne.

Opinions are divided about who deserves a spot — and who doesn’t — based on Game I.

We’ll find out who the selectors choose on Monday week, but for now here’s what we’re thinking for the 19-man squads.

NSW Blues Predicted Line-Up: Game II 

1. James Tedesco
2. Tolu Koula
3. Casey McLean 
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Brian To’o 
6. Ethan Strange
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Payne Haas
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Isaah Yeo (c)
11. Hudson Young
12. Haumole Olakau’atu
13. Cameron Murray

14. Api Koroisau
15. Victor Radley
16. Mitch Barnett
17. Isaiya Katoa
18. Jackson Ford
19. Jacob Kiraz

James Tedesco was far from perfect in Game I, but he was strong for much of the match, scored the winning try and should hold his place at the back over the unlucky Dylan Edwards.

Brian To’o had an uncharacteristically off night in Sydney but has more than enough credits in the bank to remain, while Tolu Koula was solid on debut before the Ponga send-off incident. Jacob Kiraz is a chance to come into the squad as cover for the outside backs.

Stephen Crichton was well below his best for much of Game I and made several unforced errors but should again be named in the centres. Who he partners is a different story. Kotoni Staggs did nothing wrong but Casey McLean looked every bit an Origin star when thrust into the final 23 minutes for Koula, while Latrell Mitchell (back) may also be available in Melbourne.

Ethan Strange was excellent on debut at five-eighth replacing the injured Mitchell Moses and surely Laurie Daley can’t drop him even if the Eels skipper is fit, can he? Then again, it’s just as hard to imagine Moses as a bench warmer. It’s a HUGE call whichever way Daley goes.

Should Moses be again ruled out, Isaiya Katoa was reportedly first-choice as halves cover for Game I so the Phins star could get the reserves call up this time ahead of Matt Burton. That’s the way we’re going for now (and yes, we’re taking the easy option here by assuming Moses won’t be available).

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While Reece Robson was solid at No.9 in Game I, there’s no doubt the Blues went up a notch when Blayke Brailey came into the match and we’re tipping him start in Melbourne with Robson potentially making way for the creative flair of Api Koroisau on the bench.

In the engine room Payne Haas should be back with Addin Fonua-Blake likely to make way. Jackson Ford could also come into calculations after being unlucky to miss out in Sydney.

Fitness permitting, the rest of the NSW pack is likely to be unchanged with Haumole Olakau’atu, Hudson Young, Cameron Murray and Victor Radley providing plenty of steel and venom as the Blues look to secure the series at the MCG.

QLD Maroons Predicted Line-Up: Game II 

1. Kalyn Ponga
2. Selwyn Cobbo
3. Robert Toia
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
5. Murray Tualagi
6. Cameron Munster (c)
7. Sam Walker
8. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
9. Harry Grant
10. Tom Flegler
11. Kurt Capewell 
12. Reuben Cotter
13. Max Plath

14. Reece Walsh
15. Lindsay Collins
16. Pat Carrigan
17. Ezra Mam
18. Briton Nikora
19. David Fifita

Giving up a 20-point lead is far from ideal. But there were extenuating circumstances as the Maroons played with just 12 men for the final 23 minutes. In truth, for large parts of Game I Queensland were by far the better side so Billy Slater is unlikely to panic with many changes in Melbourne.

That begins at fullback with Slater set to stick with Kalyn Ponga despite his costly second-half send off. However with another fortnight under his belt after his facial fracture Reece Walsh may well come into the reserves this time to provide X-factor of the bench — especially given neither Ezra Mam or Gehamat Shibasaki were used in Sydney.

While Jojo Fifita was solid enough on debut the Titans winger looked uncertain under the high ball and could be one player in danger of losing his spot to Murray Tualagi or potentially even Xavier Coates (Achilles) should the Storm flyer return in the next fortnight.

Debut halfback Sam Walker showed plenty of promise in Game I and will be better for that run, and could be poised for a big night in Melbourne.

In the forwards Rabbitohs star David Fifita is likely to be available and could come into calculations for a bench spot in Game II, possibly in place of Trent Loiero. 

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State of Origin 2026: Match Schedule