State of Origin Game 2 – pressure on New South Wales insist Queensland
Who will come out on top in Game 2?(credit: cadland)
Queensland coach Mal Meninga believes the pressure is on New South Wales ahead of Wednesday’s State of Origin Game 2 clash
The Maroons are odds-on favourites to win in Sydney and clinch a sixth straight series success and Meninga has been in confident mood ahead of Wednesday’s sell-out game at ANZ Stadium.
“I think all the pressure’s on New South Wales,” he said. “They have to win, it’s in their court.
“They’re thinking laterally, they believe the team they’ve picked is going to exploit our weaknesses, the pressure’s all on them.
“We’ve come with a really relaxed preparation but it’s been a quality preparation and we’re ready to play.”
Meninga remains without Justin Hodges, while is Willie Tonga sidelined with a shoulder injury.
But fellow centre Greg Inglis returns from a hip injury alongside Billy Slater, Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston and Darren Lockyer.
New South Wales boss Ricky Stuart has made six changes – three due to injury – from the side which lost the opening game.
Veteran duo Anthony Minichiello and Anthony Watmough return, while winger Jarryd Hayne returns.
Teenage centre Will Hopoate will be handed his debut for the Blues’ must-win game.
Former Catalan Dragons captain Greg Bird admits another defeat would be hard to accept.
“I’ve known nothing in my Origin career but defeat,” he said.
“To be honest, we’ve all had enough of it and now is the time to turn the tide in front of 82,000 New South Welshmen.”
