The 2026 State of Origin series is headed for a decider at Suncorp Stadium after Queensland stormed home in the second half to stun NSW 44-24.
After losing last year's series 2-1, the Blues had given themselves a gilt-edged opportunity to regain the shield courtesy of a heart-stopping 22-20 victory in Game One.
The MCG had been a happy hunting ground for the Blues with wins in five of the six matches played at the iconic venue, including a stunning 38-18 triumph in Game Two in 2024 after leading 34-0 at half-time.
NSW again led at halftime, 12-8, but they had no answer for the Maroons after the break, with Selwyn Cobbo scoring a hat-trick of tries and big names Sam Walker, Kalyn Ponga, Cameron Munster, Harry Grant and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow starring.
The Blues must now win at Suncorp Stadium to regain the Origin Shield and coach Laurie Daley is expected to make changes.
Liam Martin will play his third match for Penrith this weekend after returning from injury, Tom Trbojevic is back for Manly, Haumole Olakau'atu was overlooked for Origin II and Latrell Mitchell and Blayke Brailey may be available.
Queensland were the better team for 7 minutes in Origin I until Kalyn Ponga was sent off and with 13 players for the full 80 minutes they proved too strong for NSW at the MCG.
Watched by a record Origin crowd of 91671, the Maroons overcame a 12-8 halftime deficit to power over the top of the Blues in the second term.
The signs were there from the opening set of the first half when Selwyn Cobbo broke into space and the Queensland winger finished with a hat-trick of tries as the Maroons spine of Cameron Munster, man-of-the-match Sam Walker, Kalyn Ponga and Harry Grant dominated proceedings.
The Blues had dominated the middle of the field in the first half but they had no answer to the rampaging Maroons in the second half.
State of Origin Game 3 will be played on 8th July at Suncorp Stadium.
