State of Origin Game 2 Preview

Photo: Getty Images: Jason McCawley

What a spectacle tonight, with 49% to 51% on NRL tipping, and some bookies putting both sides at the same odds to win, this could be a real treat in Melbourne.

For NSW, Brian To'o shifts to the left wing, with Mark Nawaqanitawase making his debut off the right in place of an injured Casey McLean.

Tolu Koula shifts from wing to centre, with Mitchell Moses and Payne Haas returning from injury. Dylan Lucas has impressed enough to be selected in the second row in place of Haumole Olakau'tu.

Api Koroisau joins the NSW bench in place of an injured Blayke Brailey, with Ethan Strange and Jack Bostock rounding off the bench.

For QLD, Briton Nikora moves from the bench into a starting role, shifting Reuben Cotter to lock and Max Plath to the bench.

Kulikefu Finefeuiaki gets his chance off the bench, with Reece Walsh and Murray Taulagi returning for QLD on the bench. Heilum Luki is 20th man.

This should be such an exciting game, 2 sides evenly matched, at a neutral ground, this game could be a classic in the making.

For NSW, the kicking game of Mitchell Moses and Nathan Cleary is crucial. QLD always have rushed up in defence during Origin, utilising grubbers and other kicks can decide this match.

Nawaqanitawase is a great option to kick to with his athleticism being a huge threat for QLD. Payne Haas is a massive plus of course, the best forward in the game will allow other forwards around him to feel less pressure with his presence.

NSW cannot afford to be afraid to shift the ball, QLD often did that exposing spaces in wide areas, whereas NSW opted a safer brand of football, hitting the ball up the middle with very few set plays.

When NSW ran the ball or ran a set play, that's where they looked most dangerous. Koroisau off the bench will have a similar impact to Brailey who was superb on debut and should expose tired players around the ruck.

Laurie Daley have suggested that Ethan Strange may appear off the bench in the second row. If this is the case, Addin Fonua-Blake, Cameron Murray, or Victor Radley will be unlikely to play.

For QLD they cannot afford to overplay their hand. Early kick options, rushing defence, and not being afraid to pass the ball through the hands is how they'll play.

They must utilise their key players best attributes if they want a crack at a decider in Brisbane.

Selwyn Cobbo and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow need to hit the ball up looking for spaces, Harry Grant needs to run the ball as much as possible, Cameron Munster and Sam Walker need to continue to put grubbers in behind close to the line, and the forward pack needs to look positive with offloads and straight runs.

The inclusion of Kulikefu Finefeuiaki is a great call. He has been in top form and will gallop head first at the NSW defence and could be the difference maker for QLD.

Final Prediction: NSW playmakers utilise effective kicking and snatch a narrow win. NSW 1-12.