A LOOK AT THE NSW PLAYERS HOPING TO SEND THE STATE OF ORIGIN SERIES TO A DECIDER WITH VICTORY IN GAME TWO:
Fullback – Matt Moylan
Age: 25 Origins: 1
A couple of nervous moments under the high ball on debut, but was still one of the Blues’ most dangerous players with the ball. Can expect another bombing barrage from Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston.
Wing – Josh Mansour
Age: 26 Origins: 1
His left edge got caught short for Dane Gagai’s try in game one, but his hard work coming out of his own end in the second half was invaluable. More of the same needed from kick-off.
Centre – Michael Jennings
Age: 28 Origins: 16
Didn’t see much open space in the opener at a slippery ANZ Stadium, and will be hoping to get in the action early and often on the drier track at Suncorp Stadium.
Centre – Josh Morris
Age: 29 Origins: 14
Called-up late to replace the injured Josh Dugan in game one, Morris almost nabbed the potential game-winning try. One of a number of veterans who needs a big game to hold his spot for game three.
Wing – Blake Ferguson
Age: 26 Origins: 2
Made an uneventful return to Origin in game one, limited to just grunt work coming out of his own territory. Needs to go looking for the ball more.
Five-eighth – James Maloney
Age: 30 Origins: 4
One of the Blues’ best in game one, setting up the Blues’ only try, saving another and kicking astutely. His only downside was being unable to turn a mountain of late possession into more points.
Halfback – Adam Reynolds
Age: 25 Origins: 1
Missed none of his 22 tackles in a solid debut, but did misfire on a relatively easy conversion that ultimately was the difference in game one. Like Maloney, needs to find the killer blow in game two.
Prop – Aaron Woods
Age: 25 Origins: 9
A key figure in the Blues forward pack, Woods was the best of the Blues big men in an outstanding first stint in game one but didn’t come back on until late in the piece and barely got involved.
Hooker – Robbie Farah
Age: 32 Origins: 14
Kicked smartly out of dummy half with his left boot in game one and will be eager to prove his worth at Suncorp after missing the game three humiliation last year.
Prop – James Tamou
Age: 27 Origins: 12
A surprise starter in game one, Tamou was a tower of strength in the opening exchanges but had a quiet second stint. Also announced his emotional exit from Townsville to his Cowboys teammates last week.
Second row – Wade Graham
Age: 25 Origins: Debut
Went from the high of selection to the low of being charged by the NRL match review committee, all in the space of 24 hours. Replaces injured second-rower Boyd Cordner, who won players’ player in game one.
Second row – Josh Jackson
Age: 25 Origins: 4
Confirmed his role as a defensive specialist with just nine touches in 71 minutes in game one. Not a part of the Blues’ attacking game plan.
Lock – Paul Gallen (capt)
Age: 34 Origins: 22
Was typically busy in game one but has made a bigger impact in previous games and is now just 80 minutes away from having his Blues farewell ruined by yet another series defeat.
Interchange:
Dylan Walker
Age: 21 Origins: 1
Handed an opportunity to put an infamous nine-minute cameo behind him with a second jumper for game two. Expect coach Laurie Daley to use him as early as the first half after his a 16-point haul on the weekend.
Greg Bird
Age: 31 Origins: 16
Did his best to upset the apple cart when he came on midway through the first half, and racked up 35 tackles in the process. His experience could be key in the hostile environment in Brisbane.
David Klemmer
Age: 22 Origins: 4
Got his big legs pumping but failed to really make a dent in the Maroons’ defensive line in game one. Enjoyed a breakout game in the second fixture last year and could make another mark in Brisbane.
Andrew Fifita
Age: 26: Origins: 5
Brought the game to life with a series of mammoth charges when he finally entered the action in the second half, but the Blues didn’t take advantage. Will be relied upon again to bring the energy.
NOTE: Ages as of Origin II on June 22.
