PREVIEW: 2024 Women's State of Origin II

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New South Wales v Queensland Wednesday 8:05pm at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne / Wurundjeri

Women's State of Origin heats up in sold-out Newcastle!

The stage is set for a monumental clash in Women's State of Origin history! After a thrilling opening game that saw the NSW Sky Blues upset the Queensland Maroons 22-12 in Brisbane, the series heads to Newcastle for a history-making sell-out at McDonald Jones Stadium. This promises to be the biggest crowd ever witnessed for a Women's Origin match, surpassing the record-breaking 25,492 fans who packed Suncorp Stadium in Game 1.

The Sky Blues established control early in the first game, scoring two quick tries within the first 10 minutes. They continued to dominate possession and added two penalty goals to lead comfortably 16-0 at halftime. Queensland finally broke through the Sky Blues' defence in the second half with a try from Tamika Upton. NSW responded with another four-pointer to seal the win. While the Maroons managed a late consolation try, it wasn't enough to overcome the early deficit.

NSW has the chance to clinch the Origin Shield with a victory in Newcastle. Coach Kylie Hilder has stuck with the winning formula, retaining the same 17 players who stunned the Maroons on their home turf. The Sky Blues will be looking to ride the wave of momentum created by player of the match Yasmin Clydsdale's dominant performance in Game 1.

Queensland coach Tahnee Norris has responded to the Game 1 defeat with a key change in the spine. Captain Ali Brigginshaw returns to the crucial halfback position from lock, with Zahara Temara dropping out of the 17. Sienna Lofipo shifts to lock as Emmanita Paki joins the bench. The Maroons will also be missing the injured Emily Bass on the wing, with Evania Pelite stepping in as a replacement.

Last meeting: Game I 2024 - NSW 22 Queensland 12

Who to watch: While the passionate Newcastle crowd will be firmly behind the Sky Blues, there will be a fascinating subplot with two returning players. Tamika Upton, the Maroons fullback who has never lost a game at McDonald Jones Stadium with the Knights, will likely face a hostile reception despite playing on her home ground.

Conversely, Millie Elliott (nee Boyle) will be looking to lead the Sky Blues forward pack with a strong performance in front of her former home crowd. Both players will be crucial to their team's success.

Can the Maroons bounce back? The Sky Blues enter the contest as slight favourites after their impressive Game 1 victory. However, the Maroons are a fiercely competitive team and will be desperate to avoid going down 0-2 in the series. Expect a high-octane clash, with both teams leaving it all on the field.

While the Sky Blues have the upper hand, the Maroons won't go down without a fight. This promises to be a close encounter, but the home crowd advantage and momentum could propel NSW to victory.

My tip: Get ready for a night of history in the making! This State of Origin clash is not to be missed! NSW by 12.

1. Dylan Edwards 2. Brian To'o 3. Stephen Crichton 4. Latrell Mitchell 5. Zac Lomax 6. Jarome Luai 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Jake Trbojevic 9. Reece Robson 10. Payne Haas 11. Liam Martin 12. Angus Crichton 13. Cameron Murray 14. Connor Watson 15. Isaah Yeo 16. Haumole Olakau'atu 17. Spencer Leniu 18. Mitchell Barnett 19. Cameron McInnes 20. Luke Keary

1. Reece Walsh 2. Xavier Coates 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Reuben Cotter 9. Ben Hunt 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Jaydn Su’a 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Harry Grant 15. Moeaki Fotuaika 16. Felise Kaufusi 17. Kurt Capewell 18. Dane Gagai 19. Heilum Luki 20. Trent Loiero

Referees: Belinda Sharpe; Sideline Officials: Tori Wilkie, Karra-Lee Nolan; Video Referees: Kasey Badger;