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Key match-ups for State of Origin II clash in Perth between Queensland and NSW.
KEY MATCH-UPS FOR STATE OF ORIGIN II IN PERTH ON SUNDAY
Kalyn Ponga (Queensland) v James Tedesco (NSW)
Before just his second start in the No.1 jersey for Queensland, Ponga has declared he wants to be the next Johnathan Thurston. And the Maroons fullback will need to produce something special to earn bragging rights over Tedesco, who was sensational in a losing side in Origin I. Ponga appeared to leave the door open for a switch to rugby this week, refusing to dismiss a code swap when quizzed about a now well-documented phone call from Wallabies coach Michael Cheika. But the livewire 21-year-old still wants to stamp his mark on Origin and fill the void left behind by retired great Billy Slater. Still, Ponga's priority should be outshining Tedesco, who racked up 254m, five tackles busts and one try assist in the opener at Suncorp Stadium.
Cameron Munster (Queensland) v James Maloney (NSW)
NSW have called on the calming influence of five-eighth Maloney after their series-opening loss, replacing unlucky omission Cody Walker. The last man standing to take over the Blues No.6 jersey after Mitchell Pearce pulled up injured, Maloney has vowed to take the pressure off his maligned halves partner and Penrith teammate Nathan Cleary in game two. Been there and done that, Maloney will back himself after combining with Cleary to spark NSW's rare series win last year. Yet it remains to be seen if he will outpoint Munster, who has just five Origins to his name but is already being touted as a future Maroons leader. A dangerous runner of the ball, Munster has backed himself to finally click in game two with their new look spine of halfback and captain Daly Cherry-Evans, hooker Ben Hunt and Ponga.
Will Chambers (Queensland) v Jack Wighton (NSW)
Chambers would have been forgiven for breathing a sigh of relief after Latrell Mitchell was sensationally dropped for game two. Mitchell taunted Chambers while inspiring the Blues' 2018 series win, almost effortlessly outpointing the Maroons veteran in what appeared to be the Queenslander's last hurrah. However, selectors showed faith and Chambers savoured a convincing points victory over Mitchell in the 2019 opener. He will back himself to dominate Canberra playmaker Wighton, who now steps into the starting team in just his second Origin in the foreign position of centre. Especially with Wighton still ruing his intercept pass that gifted Dane Gagai a match turning try in Origin I.
Ben Hunt (Queensland) v Damien Cook (NSW)
The pressure is on NRL regular halfback Hunt to again answer the formidable challenge posed by Cook. South Sydney rake Cook is the game's No.1 hooker, revitalising the dummy-half role with his damaging runs and clever kicks. NSW will be relying on Cook's unrivalled speed off the mark as they look to square up the Origin ledger and send the series into a decider in Sydney next month. However, the much-maligned Hunt can not be underestimated after holding his own in the middle in Origin I. Not one to let anyone down in defence, Hunt may yet be the surprise spark for the Maroons sealing a 12th series win in 14 years.
Josh Papalii (Queensland) v Paul Vaughan (NSW)
The onus is on Papalii to lead the Queensland pack after the Maroons' forward depth was seriously tested by a spate of injuries. Few doubt the Canberra star's credentials before his 14th Origin. Yet the Raiders bruiser will again need to step up after losing front row partner Jai Arrow (ankle) and bench forward Joe Ofahengaue (knee) for Origin II. Extra pressure has been applied to the barnstorming forward with new front-row partner Dylan Napa nursing a fractured wrist in the Perth showdown. It will still be easier said than done stopping Vaughan who ran an impressive 101m in game one. Vaughan will also be looking to stand tall in a new-look front row featuring rookie Daniel Saifiti, after David Klemmer suffered a fractured wrist.
