Fullback - James Tedesco (capt)
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Age: 30
Origins: 20
Origin tries: 7
Tedesco would have been filthy with himself for being exposed defensively in Game I but the skipper rarely has two quiet Origin games in a row. He'll take on a lot of work with the ball again but expect renewed intensity without it.
Winger - Brian To'o
Age: 24
Origins: 7
Origin tries: 3
It's easy to forget that To'o's stocky physique once had pundits questioning whether he would be able to cut it at Origin level. He's now one of the first names on the team sheet, and will be primed for another night of marking up on a taller body in Xavier Coates.
Centre - Stephen Crichton
Age: 22
Origins: 4
Origin tries: 1
Again called in to deputise for the injured Latrell Mitchell. Was a stand-out in the series opener, helping to solidify his reputation as one of the best big-game players in the league.
Centre - Tom Trbojevic
Age: 26
Origins: 9
Origin tries: 9
The 2021 Man Of The Series didn't have the blockbusting Origin return the Blues were hoping for. Expect him to go looking for the football more in Game II, just as he does playing fullback at club level for Manly.
Winger - Josh Addo-Carr
Age: 27
Origins: 13
Origin tries: 10
The usually explosive Addo-Carr was starved of opportunities in Game I but that could change with new halfback Mitch Moses calling the shots from inside. His pace is a point of difference and the Blues must take advantage of it.
Five-eighth - Jarome Luai
Age: 26
Origins: 6
Origin tries: 2
Solid in the series opener, Luai overcame speculation he would be dropped following a hamstring injury to Penrith teammate Nathan Cleary. Expect him to send plenty of attention Reece Walsh's way after their dust-up in Game I.
Halfback - Mitchell Moses
Age: 28
Origins: 1
Origin tries: 0
All eyes are on Moses after he beat Nicho Hynes and Adam Reynolds to replace Nathan Cleary at halfback. The Eels playmaker is playing his first Origin game since 2021 and his long kicking game and dynamic ball-running make him a fitting fill-in for Cleary.
Prop - Junior Paulo
Age: 29
Origins: 10
Origin tries: 0
Brad Fittler typically deploys Paulo from the bench but the big man is a master at setting the tone at club level for Parramatta, so won't struggle with the new brief.
Hooker - Damien Cook
Age: 31
Origins: 15
Origin tries: 2
An injury to Api Koroisau brings Cook back to the fold after missing his first Origin game of Brad Fittler's tenure. Fittler has reverted to his plan of carrying two hookers in his 17 so NSW should be better-placed to match Queensland's ruck speed this time around.
Prop - Payne Haas
Age: 23
Origins: 10
Origin tries: 0
Suncorp Stadium has been the scene of so many of his masterful performances for Brisbane. The challenge for Haas is replicating that level of intensity in the State of Origin arena.
Second Row - Tyson Frizell
Age: 31
Origins: 15
Origin tries: 3
His recall for Game I turned out to be the best of Fittler's changes from 2022. Came close to barging over for a first-half try and will ask plenty of questions on the Blues' right edge.
Second Row - Hudson Young
Age: 25
Origins: 1
Origin tries: 0
The only one of the three Game I debutants to hold onto his spot. Struggled to inject himself in the series opener but his match-up with the returning Jeremiah Nanai looms as an intriguing one.
Lock - Isaah Yeo
Age: 28
Origins: 9
Origin tries: 0
Assumes vice-captain duties in the absence of Nathan Cleary, a role that will bring out the best in the stoic Yeo. He has the important role of providing the link between new halves pairing Jarome Luai and Mitch Moses.
Interchange - Stefano Utoikamanu
Age: 23
Origins: 0
Origin tries: 0
After two years on the fringes, the Wests Tigers prop comes in for an Origin debut at the expense of Tevita Pangai Jr. He's a gentle giant off the park, but Utoikamanu will be eager to test himself against the higher-profile Queensland middles.
Interchange - Cameron Murray
Age: 25
Origins: 11
Origin tries: 1
Overcame a groin injury just in time to line up and add some vital experience to the Blues' bench. He and Liam Martin bring versatility to the forward rotation, capable of playing on the edge or in the middle.
Interchange - Liam Martin
Age: 26
Origins: 7
Origin tries: 1
A concussion suffered last week has meant Martin will miss contact training until Tuesday as part of the NRL's 11-day stand-down policy. But with the physicality he demonstrated in Game I, that shouldn't be too much of an issue for the Penrith enforcer.
Interchange - Reece Robson
Age: 25
Origins: 0
Origin tries: 0
The second of Brad Fittler's debutants for Game II, replacing reigning Dally M Medallist Nicho Hynes. The coach will have more concrete plans for the North Queensland rake than he did for Hynes and don't be surprised if he joins the starting side at the 11th hour.
18th player - Matt Burton
Age: 23
Origins: 2
Origin tries: 1
Burton's ability to line up in the halves, outside backs or second row at a pinch make him the ideal replacement player.
Australian Associated Press