When is State of Origin Game II? Kick-off time, team lists and how to watch NSW vs QLD in NZ
Queensland’s Kalyn Ponga during game one of the 2026 State of Origin series (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
Photo: Darrian Traynor
State of Origin Game II
Kick-off 10.10 pm NZT, Wednesday 17 June
Melbourne Cricket Ground (The MCG), Melbourne
Live blog updates on RNZ.co.nz
Game II of the men’s 2026 State of Origin series kicks off at Melbourne Cricket Ground (The MCG) in Melbourne on Wednesday night.
So who’s in each team, where can you watch, and who currently holds the State of Origin shield? Here’s what to know.
Where can I watch State of Origin Game II in New Zealand?
Sky Sport has the New Zealand broadcast rights to the State of Origin series.
Game II will be televised on Sky Sport 1 or streamed online via the Sky Sport Now app with coverage starting from 9pm.
You can follow the action wherever you are with RNZ’s live blog at RNZ Sport.
What time does State of Origin Game II kick-off?
Kick-off between the NSW Blues and Queensland Maroons is at 10.10pm NZT.
James Tedesco
Photo: Darrian Traynor
What happened in Game I?
James Tedesco scored a spectacular try with 90 seconds left in State of Origin I to cap off a stunning comeback, with NSW winning 22-20 at a sodden Accor Stadium.
An electric Queensland outfit shot out to a 20-0 lead after 20 minutes of the series opener in Sydney, before spending an hour desperately trying to cling on.
Relive all the action here
Where is State of Origin Game II being played?
Game II of the series will be held in Melbourne at the MCG.
Who is playing?
NSW Blues team list:
1 James Tedesco
2 Brian To’o
3 Tolutau Koula
4 Kotoni Staggs
5 Mark Nawaqanitawase^
6 Mitchell Moses
7 Nathan Cleary
8 Payne Haas
9 Reece Robson
10 Mitch Barnett
11 Hudson Young
12 Dylan Lucas^
13 Isaah Yeo (C)
14 Cameron Murray
15 Victor Radley
16 Addin Fonua-Blake
17 Apisai Koroisau
18 Ethan Strange
19 Jack Bostock
Queensland Maroons team list:
1 Kalyn Ponga
2 Selwyn Cobbo
3 Rob Toia
4 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
5 Jojo Fifita
6 Cameron Munster (C)
7 Sam Walker
8 Tom Flegler
9 Harry Grant
10 Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
11 Briton Nikora
12 Kurt Capewell
13 Reuben Cotter
14 Max Plath
15 Lindsay Collins
16 Kulikefu Finefeuiaki^
17 Trent Loiero
18 Reece Walsh
19 Murray Taulagi
* Reserves: NSW – Haumole Olakau’atu; Qld – Heilum Luki
^ Potential debutant
Mark Nawaqanitawase
Photo: Brendon Thorne
Who are the coaches?
Laurie Daley is the head coach of the New South Wales Blues State of Origin team, returning for his second stint.
He originally coached the Blues between 2013 and 2017, winning six of his 15 games in charge.
Billy Slater is head coach of the Queensland Maroons team, having been in charge since taking over in 2022.
When and where are the other matches?
Game III: Wednesday, July 8, Lang Park, Brisbane, Queensland
Who currently holds the State of Origin shield?
Queensland currently holds the State of Origin shield, having overcome an 18-6 defeat in Game I to secure a 2-1 series victory in 2025.
Cameron Munster
Photo: Cameron Spencer
When will State of Origin come to New Zealand?
A State of Origin match will be played in Eden Park in Auckland in 2027 following three years of high-level talks with the NRL and the Australian Rugby League Commission.
It is expected that 50,000 fans will pack the stadium for the Queensland versus New South Wales match.
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