State of Origin 2026: NSW Blues confirmed team for Game II in Melbourne

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

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Now, NSW head coach Laurie Daley has named a 21-man squad for Game II of the 2026 State of Origin series.

Is this the side to take an unbeatable 2-0 lead at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday 17 June?

NSW Blues Squad: State of Origin Game II 

* Final 19 yet to be confirmed.

1. James Tedesco
2. Tolu Koula
3. Stephen Crichton
4. Kotoni Staggs
5. Brian To’o 
6. Mitchell Moses
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Payne Haas
9. Reece Robson
10. Addin Fonua-Blake
11. Hudson Young
12. Haumole Olakau’atu
13. Isaah Yeo (c)

14. Cameron Murray
15. Victor Radley
16. Mitch Barnett
17. Dylan Lucas
18. Api Koroisau
19. Ethan Strange 
20. Casey McLean
21. Isaiya Katoa

James Tedesco was far from perfect in Game I, but holds his place at the back over the unlucky Dylan Edwards while Brian To’o and Tolu Koula will be the NSW wingers once again.

Stephen Crichton has been named and will play assuming his troublesome shoulder pulls up okay after the Eels match on Monday afternoon, while Kotoni Staggs looks to have fought off the challenge of Casey McLean who will likely remain on the bench.

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Ethan Strange was excellent on debut at five-eighth in Game I but is set to come off the bench this time with the returning Mitchell Moses being given every opportunity to wear the sky blue No.6.

Reece Robson was in danger of losing the No.9 jersey to Blayke Brailey, but with the Cronulla skipper breaking his arm the Roosters rake survives with Api Koroisau coming into the squad.

In the engine room Payne Haas is back with Mitch Barnett set to push back to the bench with Jacob Saifiti missing out, while his Knights teammate Dylan Lucas is likely to come into the 19.

The rest of the NSW pack is 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.

Isaiya Katoa has been included in the 21-man squad providing halves cover should Mitchell Moses be ruled out.

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State of Origin 2026: Match Schedule