STATE OF ORIGIN: Mitchell Moses vs Daly Cherry-Evans, Latrell Mitchell vs Valentine Holmes, Dylan Edwards vs Reece Walsh, some of the key match-ups for Game II
Mitchell Moses vs Daly Cherry-Evans
Two halfbacks who enter Wedneday’s night game in differing form. Moses has struggled to recapture his best football since a foot injury derailed his season for Parramatta. But he has done enough to convince Michael Maguire he is the man to replace Nicho Hynes and lead the Blues to victory. Cherry-Evans’ status as a Queensland legend continues to grow after the Manly playmaker’s five-star showing in the series opener.
Latrell Mitchell vs Valentine Holmes
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Mitchell’s return to the NSW set-up has Queensland on edge and nobody will be anticipating the presence of the Blues centre more than Holmes. Mitchell has made a point of hounding Will Chambers and Dane Gagai in the past and Holmes, whose form at club level has been up and down in 2024, faces one of the most testing battles of his career. Sparks will fly.
Dylan Edwards vs Reece Walsh
A battle of two fullbacks of contrasting styles. Edwards, who missed his debut in game one with a quad injury, is a workaholic who will be crucial if the Blues are to win the field position battle. Walsh on the other hand, is a magician who can make plays happen at the flick of a switch. The Queensland star hasn’t played a game since he was knocked out seven minutes into Origin I and will again be a target of focus for the Blues.
Payne Haas vs Patrick Carrigan
Two Brisbane teammates will lock horns in the middle, with metre-eater Haas needing to stand up and deliver for a NSW pack lacking punch. Haas’s Origin record has been questioned for the first time this series and against a familiar foe he can make a statement. Carrigan has developed into one of the game’s elite forwards and his ability to mix power with panache will be key to the Maroons’ fortunes.
Connor Watson vs Harry Grant
Grant has shown the ability over the last two series to come on at hooker and swing momentum in Queensland’s favour, with his willingness to run tormenting the Blues. Watson is in for his Origin debut and while he offers Maguire cover across the park, it’s assumed he will offer cover at dummy-half when NSW need to counteract Grant’s threat.
