Few sporting rivalries in Australia ignite passion quite like State of Origin, and Game 2 often becomes the turning point of the series. The 2026 edition moves to the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 17, a venue that hosted 90,084 fans for the 2024 clash.

4 related posts

Key details for State of Origin Game 2 2026:

Game 2 2026 Date June 17, 2026
Venue Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
Teams New South Wales Blues vs Queensland Maroons
Game 2 2025 Winner New South Wales Blues
Series Format Best of three

Game 2 2026 Date: June 17, 2026 ·
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) ·
Teams: New South Wales Blues vs Queensland Maroons ·
Game 2 2025 Winner: New South Wales Blues ·
Series Format: Best of three

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Winner of the 2026 series is not yet determined
  • Reece Walsh’s participation in Game 3 2026 is not confirmed
  • Future venue rotations beyond 2026 are unconfirmed
  • Referee appointments for Game 2 2026 have not been announced
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Game 3 2026 at Suncorp Stadium on July 8
  • Broadcast live on Channel Nine, 9Now, Kayo Sports
  • Ticket sales for Game 2 2026 are underway
The upshot

Moving Game 2 to the MCG erases the traditional home‑state advantage for both sides. For NSW, it means a “home” game in enemy territory; for Queensland, it’s a chance to break the Blues’ rhythm early. The 90,084‑strong crowd in 2024 shows the MCG can produce an atmosphere that rivals Suncorp’s cauldron.

Who won the 2nd game of State of Origin?

The 2025 State of Origin Game 2 was won by the New South Wales Blues, who outscored Queensland 5 tries to 4. The try‑scorers included Brian To’o (3 tries), Stephen Crichton, and Angus Crichton, while Queensland replied through Hamiso Tabuai‑Fidow, Cameron Munster, and Kurt Capewell (NRL.com (official rugby league governing body)). The 2026 Game 2 has not been played yet.

The implication: The Blues’ 2025 victory kept the series alive heading into Game 3, and their ability to score five tries at the MCG signals that neutral‑venue Origin can produce high‑scoring, fast‑paced football.

What was the score of State of Origin Game 2 in 2025?

  • New South Wales Blues: 5 tries (Brian To’o 3, Stephen Crichton 1, Angus Crichton 1)
  • Queensland Maroons: 4 tries (Hamiso Tabuai‑Fidow, Cameron Munster, Kurt Capewell)
Bottom line: The Blues won the 2025 Game 2 26–18 (5 tries to 4). For 2026, the winner is anyone’s guess, but the MCG crowd will be a decisive factor.

The implication: This victory demonstrates the Blues’ ability to perform under neutral conditions.

What date is game 2 State of Origin?

Game 2 of the 2026 Ampol State of Origin series is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (NRL.com (official rugby league governing body)). The MCG listing confirms the match as NRL State of Origin Game 2: NSW Blues v Queensland Maroons (Melbourne Cricket Club (MCG official)).

The pattern: The mid‑June date continues Origin’s long‑standing Wednesday night tradition, giving teams a two‑week break after Game 1.

What time is State of Origin Game 3?

State of Origin Game 3 typically kicks off at 8:10 PM AEST. Viewers in other time zones should check local listings (NRL.com (official rugby league governing body)).

Bottom line: Mark June 17, 2026, on your calendar. The MCG will host the only Origin match outside Queensland or New South Wales in 2026, and kick‑off is 8:10 PM AEST.

The pattern: Mid‑June dates keep the series rhythm intact.

Where will Origin 3 be played?

State of Origin Game 3 in 2026 will be played at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 (NRL.com (official rugby league governing body)). Game 1 is at Accor Stadium in Sydney on May 27, and Game 2 returns to the MCG on June 17.

The catch: Suncorp Stadium has been Queensland’s fortress in recent years, and the Maroons will be desperate to force a decider there.

What is the venue for State of Origin Game 2?

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The match will be a fully ticketed event with no general public parking available; all parking is in grass paddocks within Yarra Park (Melbourne Cricket Club (MCG official)).

Did Reece Walsh get charged?

Reece Walsh was placed on report during Game 2 2025 for a shoulder charge. He was not suspended and played in Game 3 2025 (NRL.com (official rugby league governing body)). His availability for Game 3 2026 is not yet known.

What this means: The incident last year did not escalate into a ban, but the NRL’s crackdown on high‑contact means any repeat could leave Queensland short of a key playmaker.

Did Reece Walsh play game 3?

Yes, Walsh played in Game 3 2025 after being cleared. He remains a crucial part of Queensland’s spine for the 2026 series.

What to watch

Walsh’s style of play draws attention from referees. If he receives a charge in Game 2 2026, the judiciary outcome could determine Queensland’s chances in the decider.

What this means: Walsh’s discipline under pressure will be critical for Queensland’s campaign.

Where can I watch the State of Origin game 3?

State of Origin Game 3 is broadcast live on Channel Nine in Australia, with streaming on 9Now and Kayo Sports (NRL.com (official rugby league governing body)). Kick‑off is 8:10 PM AEST.

The trade‑off: Kayo offers on‑demand replays and multi‑angle views, while free‑to‑air viewers get the traditional Nine commentary team.

What TV channel broadcasts State of Origin Game 3?

  • Free‑to‑air: Channel Nine
  • Streaming: 9Now (free) and Kayo Sports (subscription)
Bottom line: For Australian fans, Game 3 is freely available on Nine. For overseas viewers, watch.NRL.com provides official coverage.

The trade‑off: Free-to-air coverage remains the most accessible option for Australian viewers.

Timeline: State of Origin Game 2 through the years

  • – NSW Blues defeat QLD Maroons 5 tries to 4 at MCG (NRL.com (official rugby league governing body))
  • – Game 3 2025 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
  • – Game 2 2026 at MCG, Melbourne
  • – Game 3 2026 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
The paradox

The MCG hosted Game 2 in 2025 and will host it again in 2026 — but it remains an outlier. No other neutral venue has hosted back‑to‑back Origin games, and the “home” team designation flips each year.

The paradox: Despite back-to-back hosting at MCG, the venue’s role as a neutral ground continues to shape the series dynamics.

Confirmed facts

  • Game 2 2026 date and venue are confirmed by NRL.com and MCG
  • 2025 Game 2 result is known (NSW Blues win)
  • Reece Walsh was placed on report in Game 2 2025
  • Game 3 2026 at Suncorp Stadium

What’s unclear

  • Winner of the 2026 series
  • Reece Walsh’s participation in Game 3 2026
  • Potential venue changes for future series beyond 2026
  • Referee appointments for Game 2 2026 have not been announced

What the players and officials said

“Reece Walsh was placed on report for a shoulder charge.”

— Match report from QRL (Queensland Rugby League)

“New South Wales achieved 5 tries, Queensland 4 tries.”

— NRL Match Centre, Game 2 2025

For Blues fans, the opportunity to clinch the series at the MCG is a rare advantage; for the Maroons, it’s a must‑win to keep the series alive. With a full house expected, the atmosphere will be electric — and the result could define the 2026 series.

Related reading

Additional sources

premier.ticketek.com.au, ecal.com, events.com.au

For a comprehensive look at ticketing and live broadcast details, Game 2 coverage from Australian Focus offers additional context for the MCG clash.

Don't miss these

Frequently asked questions

How many tickets are available for State of Origin Game 2?

Ticket availability is managed by the MCG and NRL. The game is fully ticketed, and unreserved entry is not available. Members’ Reserve reserved seating is priced at $80 for members (Melbourne Cricket Club (MCG official)).

What is the attendance record for State of Origin at MCG?

The 2024 State of Origin match at the MCG attracted 90,084 fans (Melbourne Cricket Club (MCG official)).

Who is the referee for State of Origin Game 2 in 2026?

Referee appointments are announced closer to the match date by the NRL.

How does the State of Origin series determine the winner?

The series is a best‑of‑three format. The team that wins two games wins the series. If each team wins one game, the third game decides the champion.

What is the prize money for winning the State of Origin series?

Prize money details are not publicly released by the NRL.

Are there any changes to the rules for the 2026 State of Origin?

No major rule changes have been announced for 2026. The NRL’s standard rules apply.

What is the head‑to‑head record between NSW and Queensland in State of Origin?

As of 2025, Queensland leads the overall series 72 wins to 63 (with 2 draws), according to Wikipedia (Wikipedia (historical data)).

Can I buy State of Origin Game 2 merchandise online?

Official merchandise is available through the NRL online shop and major sporting retailers.