2026 State of Origin Game Two Team Lists: Blues and Maroons Named
The 2026 State of Origin Game Two team lists are in, with both the NSW Blues and QLD Maroons making notable changes. Laurie Daley's Blues named their squad alphabetically, leaving the final lineup uncertain as the fitness test of Mitchell Moses will determine his position. Payne Haas returns for NSW. Queensland faces two forced swaps due to injury, inserting Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, while Ezra Mam has been dropped based on form. With Queensland leading the series 1-0, all eyes are on team selections ahead of the MCG showdown.
- Blues name squad in alphabetical order, lineup depends on Moses’ fitness.
- Game 2 is on Wednesday 17th June at 8pm at the MCG.
- Payne Haas returns for NSW; Maroons make three changes, two forced by injury.
- Queensland leads series 1-0 ahead of the MCG clash.
Mitchell Moses. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
2026 State of Origin Game Two Team Lists: Blues and Maroons Named
Queensland have made three changes, two of them forced, while Laurie Daley has taken the unusual step of naming his 21-man Blues squad in alphabetical order, leaving the starting side officially unconfirmed ahead of next Wednesday night's clash at the MCG.
- 2026 State of Origin Game Two Team Lists: Blues and Maroons Named
- The Mitchell Moses Question
- Queensland's Forced Changes
- Reece Walsh's Role
- Game Two Team Lists
- State of Origin Game 2 - Frequently Asked Questions
The Mitchell Moses Question
The biggest talking point out of the Blues camp is the status of Mitchell Moses. He hasn't played since before Game One and his inclusion in the squad is contingent on passing a fitness test during camp. Ethan Strange, who started at five-eighth in Moses' absence in Game One, has been retained in the extended squad alongside Isaiya Katoa, giving Daley genuine options if Moses can't get up.
If Moses plays, he slots straight back into six and Strange moves to the bench. If he doesn't, Strange starts and Katoa provides the backline cover. It's the selection story of the week for NSW and it won't be resolved until the captain's run.
Payne Haas is the other major inclusion, coming in for Jacob Saifiti who has been dropped. Haas is expected to start, with Barnett and Fonua-Blake competing for the remaining prop spot alongside him.
Queensland's Forced Changes
The Maroons lose Patrick Carrigan and Gehamat Shibasaki to injuries sustained during the Broncos' shock loss to the Dragons last weekend. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki comes onto the bench as Carrigan's replacement, while Reece Walsh and Murray Taulagi fill the remaining spots, both effectively insurance policies rather than genuine rotation options.
Ezra Mam is the third change and the only non-injury one. He was dropped by the Broncos ahead of their clash with the Titans and Slater hasn't hesitated to follow suit, axing him from the Origin squad entirely.
The bigger structural change sees Reuben Cotter move from second row to lock, with Plath shifting to the bench and Briton Nikora, who many expected to be cut, retaining his spot in the second row alongside Kurt Capewell. The back seven is completely unchanged from Game One.
Reece Walsh's Role
Walsh was axed for Game One and his inclusion here is purely circumstantial. Slater has been clear that he only sees game time if Queensland need quick points late or there are injuries in the back seven. After being dropped entirely a fortnight ago, it's a watching brief rather than a recall.
Game Two Team Lists
| NSW | # | QLD |
|---|---|---|
| J. Tedesco | 1 | K. Ponga |
| B. To'o | 2 | S. Cobbo |
| S. Crichton | 3 | R. Toia |
| K. Staggs | 4 | H. Tabuai-Fidow |
| T. Koula | 5 | J. Fifita |
| M. Moses | 6 | C. Munster (c) |
| N. Cleary | 7 | S. Walker |
| M. Barnett | 8 | T. Flegler |
| R. Robson | 9 | H. Grant |
| P. Haas | 10 | T. Fa'asuamaleaui |
| H. Young | 11 | B. Nikora |
| H. Olakau'atu | 12 | K. Capewell |
| I. Yeo (c) | 13 | R. Cotter |
| C. Murray | 14 | M. Plath |
| V. Radley | 15 | L. Collins |
| A. Fonua-Blake | 16 | K. Finefeuiaki |
| A. Koroisau | 17 | T. Loiero |
| E. Strange | 18 | R. Walsh |
| C. McLean | 19 | M. Taulagi |
| D. Lucas | 20 | H. Luki |
| I. Katoa | 21 | N/A |
State of Origin Game 2 - Frequently Asked Questions
When is State of Origin Game 2 2026?
Game Two is played on Wednesday June 17, 2026, with kick-off at 8:05pm AEST.
Where is State of Origin Game 2 2026?
Game Two is played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Victoria.
Who won State of Origin Game 1 2026?
Queensland won Game One to take a 1-0 series lead heading into Melbourne.
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