3 minute read

NSW have won the second game of the State of Origin series 38-18 on the back of a record-breaking first half and a dominant display by Latrell Mitchell.

STATE OF ORIGIN II AT A GLANCE:

*RESULT: NSW defeated Queensland 38-18 at the MCG in front of 90,084.

*KEY MOMENT: In the 18th minute, Blues centre Latrell Mitchell created a try for winger Brian To'o when he caught opposite number Valentine Holmes in two minds. From that moment Mitchell lifted and his confidence swept through his teammates and deflated Queensland. Mitchell scored a try and proved once again he has talismanic qualities for the Blues in the Origin arena.

*QUOTE: "Mitchell Moses has laid on a masterclass. I have never seen anything like this at this level. The Blues are having a party." - NSW legend Andrew Johns.

*MAN OF THE MATCH: NSW halfback Mitchell Moses played one of the best games of his career in a dominant and classy display for the ages. Moses had four try assists, two line break assists and kicked brilliantly. He put second-rower Liam Martin over for the first try and never looked back.

*TALKING POINT: What changes will Maroons coach Billy Slater make for the decider in game three? Queensland were out-muscled and dominated in the forwards when the game was on the line in the first half. They lacked punch, which may open the door for a recall for Gold Coast boom back-rower David Fifita and a debut for North Queensland forward Heilum Luki.

*KEY STATS: NSW's 34-0 lead at halftime was the largest in the history of State of Origin football, surpassing the 21-0 advantage the Maroons had in game three of the 1981 series. The Blues have now won five of six Origin games played at the MCG, with the Maroons' last victory at the venue coming way back in 1995.