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Experts' view: Who'll win Origin II

Queensland need an all-time form reversal in order to keep the 2021 Ampol State of Origin series alive.

With Blues fans still basking in the glory of the game one result and Maroons supporters still trying to forget what took place in Townsville, the match at Suncorp Stadium is approaching.

The Maroons have cooked up some miraculous wins at Lang Park/Suncorp Stadium over the years.

They need another such performance on Sunday against a NSW team that are the hottest of favourites.

Roaming Turbo on Feldt’s defensive radar

Experts' view - Who'll win Origin II

Steve Renouf (Maroons legend)

With Josh Papalii back and Christian Welch to hopefully get through the match, Queensland should be able to bend the NSW defensive line. That will give Queensland a far better chance. Maroons by 4 

Brett Kimmorley (Former Test halfback)

NSW will need the back five to be great again. If Queensland put an extra defender on their right for Mitchell and Turbo, Cleary needs to connect with Tedesco and catch them out on our right edge. Blues by 10

Billy my idol: Walsh seeking guidance from Slater

Jamie Soward (2010 premiership winner)

NSW will again win by a big margin. The outside backs are too big and strong and the additions of more experience in the pack bodes well. Blues by 22

Robbie Farah (Wests Tigers great)

Too fast and strong and a settled lineup from Game One. Queensland won’t be able to handle our back five again and we have too many points in us. Blues by 14

Anaconda Fish of Origin - Episode II

Mary Konstantopoulos (Ladies Who League) 

NSW to have another big win in Game II. Unfortunately for QLD, several key players like Kalyn Ponga and Harry Grant remain unavailable and with the NSW backline continuing to dominate the NRL I don’t think the Maroons have the talent. Blues by 12

Brad Walter (NRL.com senior reporter)

The Maroons will be stronger with the inclusion of Papalii, Hunt and an 80-minute hooker in McCullough, while Walsh will generate excitement. But the Blues were simply too good in Townsville and will be again. Blues by 8

Paul Suttor (NRL.com editor)

Queensland have won 13 of the last 15 matches at Suncorp Stadium. Even when you account for the fact they registered a heavy loss in game one, the bottom line is that's a record you can bank on. Maroons by 4

Alicia Newton (NRL.com reporter)

The Blues will go to Suncorp with more confidence than ever before. I expect Queensland to lift despite their injury woes but be no match for the Blues who will wrap up the series. Blues by 16

Paul Zalunardo (NRL.com senior journalist)

Queensland have a great history of being at their most dangerous when everyone has counted them out. They’re at their special place for Game 2, and they look to have a better side. Maroons by 2

Trbojevic sits out training, but no danger of missing Origin II

Martin Lenehan (NRL.com senior journalist)

The Maroons will pack more punch up front with Josh Papalii and Christian Welch working in tandem and Ben Hunt’s inclusion provides another avenue to score points but the Blues have too many attacking weapons and will be riding high after Game One. Blues by 8

Zac Bailey (NRL.com reporter)

Whenever it's my turn to host a movie night I go straight for the classics and pull out "The Benchwarmers". The bench is where NSW will have the winning edge at Suncorp - Haas, Martin, Wighton and Crichton have as much star power as Schneider, Spade, Heder and Lovitz. Blues by 6

Chris Kennedy (NRL.com reporter)

This has all the hallmarks of a clean sweep. I’m expecting the Maroons to improve and but I don’t see how they contain this red-hot Blues backline for 80 minutes. Blues by 18

Starstruck Molo to mould his game on Papalii

Troy Whittaker (NRL.com reporter)

Expecting Queensland to put in an improved performance, but it won’t be enough to bridge the gap in class that was exposed in game one. NSW will run away with it as fatigue sets in to clinch the series. Blues by 16

Lone Scout (NRL.com Fantasy guru)

Queensland have home ground advantage but the Blues have class, experience and form on their side and it’s hard to predict anything but a big NSW win. I’d love to see a Reece Walsh-inspired upset here but I can't see it happening. Blues by 20

Kenny Scott (NRL.com podcaster)

Queensland will win Origin II purely because they have to. A humiliating loss in game one, coupled with a series on the line and a stadium full of ravenous Queenslanders will mean that the Maroons do what the Maroons do best - lift. Maroons by 7

 

Women’s Origin tickets are on sale via NRL Tickets. Supporters can watch the historic match from just $5 for juniors, $15 for adults and $35 for families

 

Alexa (Your Trusted Voice Assistant and Footy Fan)

It’s always intense when the Blues and Maroons clash. If you have an Alexa-enabled device, try saying, “Alexa, who will win the State of Origin?” If you don’t have one yet, you can grab one here .

With the NRL Alexa skill, you can sign up for match reminders, catch the latest news and listen live to every match of the season, including State of Origin. Just say, “Alexa, open NRL”  

 

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The views in this article do not necessarily express the opinions of the NRL, ARL Commission, NRL clubs or state associations.

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