One week after Queensland shocked New South Wales in the State of Origin opener, the old rivals meet again tonight in Sydney.
The focus will be on changes within both teams, and just who can handle the pace of the game.
Souths' five-eighth Cody Walker has been sensationally drafted into the NSW starting side, replacing the Roosters' Luke Keary, in the wake of the Game I defeat.
While Keary is a master of tempo and initiating attack, Walker is a more powerful runner.
He has been a nightmare for centres all year and will test Queenslanders Kurt Capewell and Dane Gagai — his Rabbitohs club-mate in one-on-one contests.
Cody Walker has obliterated some of the game's best centres this year.
But if Queensland hope to counter his running threat with immediate pressure, they could end up exposing themselves.
An analysis by Abc.net.au says Walker is a master of outsmarting would-be tacklers by sitting deep enough to give him time to make the right pass or evasive move.
A crowd of 40,000 is permitted for the clash under COVID-19 restrictions.
The New South Wales Blues take on the Queensland Maroons at 9.10 tonight.
[Source: Abc.net.au]
