All you need to know about State of Origin game II between NSW and Queensland
Wednesday, 17 June 2026
New South Wales and Queensland clash in game II of the 2026 State of Origin series in Melbourne on Wednesday night.
The match kicks off at 10.05pm (NZT) and you can follow live updates right here on Stuff.
New South Wales lead the three game series 1-0.
Forget Mitchell Moses’ hamstring or how Queensland will get Reece Walsh into the game because it’s not even a player who is dominating the build up to State of Origin’s game II.
Since referee Ashley Klein’s controversial performance in game I, won by New South Wales 22-20, following his controversial call to send Kalyn Ponga from the field for a high shot that knocked Tolutau Koula unconscious, his appointment for game II has been a hot topic.
However, when the bombshell dropped in recent days that Klein had admitted he was previously forced to seek help for a gambling problem, with reports he had previously been in A$400,000 (NZ$485,000) worth of gambling debt, his appointment became even more controversial.
Klein reportedly placed himself on BetStop, the Australian self-exclusion register, in 2023.
The NRL has cleared Klein of any wrongdoing, backing his claims that he never placed bets on rugby league. Klein had said he only bet on horse and greyhound racing.
However, since Klein’s previous gambling issues have become public, many fans have voiced further displeasure around him being in control of a match as significant as a State of Origin game.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, NSW coach Laurie Daley and his Queensland counterpart Billy Slater have both revealed they have no issue with Klein taking the whistle on Wednesday night.
“I personally think it’s unfair to have something personal like that be aired publicly,” Slater said.
“I feel for Ashley … it hasn’t been discussed within our camp and that’s my personal position with it.
“I think it’s quite unfair on him,” Slater said.
“I agree with Bill,” Daley said.
“It’s challenging when things like that get brought up and I hope Ashley has got the right support and people around him to help navigate the period.
“We’ve got no issues with Ashley being part of the game.”
However, neither Slater and Daley answered a follow up question on how fans may perceive the move when an inevitable controversial call comes.
Personal tragedy
Queensland prop Tino Fa'asuamaleaui will start in game II despite his father, Fereti Fa’asuamaleaui, losing his battle with cancer on Sunday.
The Titans’ middle forward flew to Melbourne to re-join the Queensland squad on Monday.
NSW game I hero missing
Kiwis international Casey McLean came on for the final 23 minutes, to replace Koula in game I. He was due to start game II before a quad injury ruled him out.
Former Wallaby, Mark Nawaqanitawase, will take his spot on the wing.
Teams for game II
New South Wales: James Tedesco, Brian To'o, Tolutau Koula, Kotoni Staggs, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Mitchell Moses, Nathan Cleary; Payne Haas, Reece Robson, Mitchell Barnett, Hudson Young, Dylan Lucas, Isaah Yeo. Interchange: Cameron Murray, Victor Radley, Addin Fonua-Blake, Apisai Koroisau, Ethan Strange, Jack Bostock. Reserve: Haumole Olakau'atu.
Queensland: Kalyn Ponga, Selwyn Cobbo, Robert Toia, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jojo Fifita, Cameron Munster, Sam Walker; Thomas Flegler, Harry Grant, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Briton Nikora, Kurt Capewell, Reuben Cotter. Interchange: Max Plath, Lindsay Collins, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Trent Loiero, Reece Walsh, Murray Taulagi. Reserve: Heilum Luki
TAB odds
New South Wales $1.87, Queensland $1.95