Maroons Fighting to Keep the Series Alive in State of Origin Game 2

By Antoine Vidal | Radio Springfield City

Queensland will be fighting to keep the State of Origin series alive tonight following a dramatic loss in the opening game.

Ahead of Game 2, Antoine Vidal was joined on Radio Springfield City by Origin expert and the station’s “18th Man”, Shaun, to discuss the team changes, key matchups and what the Maroons must do to force a series decider.

Shaun believes Queensland can take plenty of confidence from its Game 1 performance, despite the result.

“I think we were unlucky in Game 1,” Shaun said.

“If we play the way we played in Game 1, minus the controversial moments, I think the outcome could be very different.”

Team changes could shape the contest

Queensland enters the match with a relatively settled side, although the absence of Patrick Carrigan will require changes through the middle.

Shaun said the Maroons’ speed around the ruck and their ability to move the ball through the forwards could again trouble New South Wales.

He also highlighted the inclusion of Reece Walsh in the squad as a possible attacking option if Queensland needs to change the momentum of the game.

“It will be interesting to see, if Queensland is behind at any point, whether Billy Slater thinks Walsh is the man to spark something,” Shaun said.

New South Wales has also made changes following injuries, with both teams expected to bring plenty of speed and physicality into the contest.

Shaun believes the forward battle will be relatively even, meaning the game could be decided by which team’s halves make the most of quick play-the-balls and attacking opportunities.

Shaun backs Queensland in a close finish

Shaun is tipping the Maroons to win by between one and 12 points.

He is also predicting a big performance from Queensland forward Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, who is expected to play following the passing of his father.

“I think we are going to see a man-of-the-match performance from Tino,” Shaun said.

“He will want to stand up, make his dad proud and lead from the front.”

For those looking for a possible first try scorer, Shaun believes Queensland hooker Harry Grant could capitalise on some quick play through the middle.

His final predictions are:

Queensland to win by one to 12 points, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui for Player of the Match and Harry Grant to score the opening try.

A Queensland victory would send the series to a deciding Game 3 at Suncorp Stadium.