State of Origin 2024: Blues Squad Announced for Game 2 at the MCG Michael Maguire has unveiled his squad for the New South Wales Blues for Game 2 of the 2024 State of Origin series, which will be played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on June 26. The squad features a blend of experience and youth, with several key changes from the team that was defeated in Game 1. Squad Members: * Nathan Cleary (captain) (Panthers) * James Tedesco (vice-captain) (Roosters) * Tom Trbojevic (Sea Eagles) * Jack Wighton (Raiders) * Jarome Luai (Panthers) * Cameron Murray (Rabbitohs) * Isaah Yeo (Panthers) * Liam Martin (Panthers) * Stephen Crichton (Panthers) * Siosifa Talakai (Sharks) * Payne Haas (Broncos) * Angus Crichton (Roosters) * Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Titans) * Ben Hunt (Dragons) * Jake Trbojevic (Sea Eagles) * Dale Finucane (Sharks) * Tariq Sims (Dragons) * Sam Verrills (Panthers) * Matt Burton (Bulldogs) Injuries and Changes: * Latrell Mitchell (Rabbitohs) has been ruled out due to an ongoing shoulder injury. * Api Koroisau (Panthers) and Junior Paulo (Eels) have been dropped from the squad. * Siosifa Talakai (Sharks) and Ben Hunt (Dragons) have been recalled after strong performances in recent NRL games. Key Players: * Nathan Cleary: The halfback will be crucial for the Blues’ hopes, providing direction and controlling the attack. * James Tedesco: The fullback is a dangerous attacking threat and solid in defense. * Tom Trbojevic: The center is set to make his return from injury and provide the Blues with an attacking spark. * Payne Haas: The prop is a powerful force in the front row and will be key to dominating the forward battle. * Siosifa Talakai: The utility is versatile and can play in the back row or center, adding depth to the squad. Expectations: The Blues will be desperate to bounce back from their Game 1 loss and regain the Origin shield. Maguire has assembled a strong squad capable of delivering a victory at the iconic MCG. The Queensland Maroons, who won Game 1 by a score of 28-14, will be equally determined to retain their advantage and clinch the series. Game 2 of the 2024 State of Origin series promises to be a thrilling and intense clash between two of the greatest rugby league states in history.Maguire Unveils NSW Squad for Origin IIMaguire Unveils NSW Squad for Origin II New South Wales coach Michael Maguire has selected his 20-man squad for the second Origin match, scheduled for June 26 in Melbourne. Latrell Mitchell headlines a host of changes, returning to the Blues for the first time since 2021. He will replace the suspended Joseph Sua’ali’i in the centers. Several other new faces have been called up, including Connor Watson, Dylan Edwards, Mitchell Moses, and Cameron Murray, as the Blues aim to level the series at 1-1. Watson will make his debut as the bench utility, while Murray joins the squad in place of Sharks lock Cameron McInnes. Moses and Edwards replace Nicho Hynes and James Tedesco, respectively. Despite recovering from a foot injury, Eels’ number 7 Mitchell Moses was initially ineligible for the first game due to a lack of game time. Edwards, who was also unavailable for the series opener with a quadriceps strain, will now make his Origin debut. The Blues will commence their preparations in Sydney on Monday before relocating to Katoomba on Tuesday for training. They will travel to Melbourne early next week. Meanwhile, the Maroons are expected to announce their team for Game Two on Monday morning.State of Origin 2024: NSW Blues Squad for Game 2 Michael Maguire Names Squad for MCG Clash Sydney, March 10, 2024 – New South Wales coach Michael Maguire has named his squad for the second game of the 2024 State of Origin series against Queensland at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Blues, trailing 1-0 after their loss in Game 1, have made several changes to their team. Team List Forwards – Payne Haas – Junior Paulo – Jacob Saifiti – Cameron Murray – Tyson Frizell – Liam Martin – Jack Wighton Backs – Nathan Cleary (c) – Jarome Luai – Joseph Manu – Matt Burton – Daniel Tupou – Brian To’o – James Tedesco Interchange – Api Koroisau – Tyrone May – Reagan Campbell-Gillard – Tariq Sims Injuries and Details – Josh Papalii has been ruled out of the series with a knee injury. – Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is expected to miss Game 2 with a concussion. – David Fifita is in doubt after aggravating a hamstring issue in Game 1. Updates – The Blues will hold their final training session at ANZ Stadium on Tuesday before flying to Melbourne. – The match will be played on Wednesday, March 13 at the MCG. – Queensland are expected to name their squad later today.