The state of origin II is almost ready.
Here’s everything you need to know about the second game of the rugby league series.
When is the State of Origin II?
Origin II is scheduled to begin at 5:50 p.m. AWST tonight.
If you’re wondering why we give you WA time instead of AEST, it’s because the second game is played at Perth Stadium.
So the start is at 19:50 EAST for all the eastern mountains.
Want more Origin news and analysis? Subscribe to our source status newsletter
Is State of Origin played in Perth?
NSW played controversially in a darker shade of blue than usual the last time Origin went to Perth, but it worked for them. (AAP: Dave Hunt)
Yes, and it’s not the first time.
Nearly 60,000 people showed up at Perth Stadium to watch the Blues beat Queensland 38-6 in the second game of the Origin 2019 series.
In fact, NSW got into this game the same way they did this year, after losing a tight game against a disadvantaged Maroons team.
That year Perth’s game marked a turning point, with the Blues winning a decisive in Sydney. Will they be able to achieve another Western rebirth in 2022?
Why is it played on Sunday?
While it was traditionally a Wednesday night affair, Sunday’s game has been a regular since 2018.
The second game of the 2018, 2019, 2021 and, of course, 2022 series have been Sunday night affairs, as the league is experimenting with representative schedules and weekends.
The end-of-season 2020 series, affected by the coronavirus, is the only atypical of the last five series.
What happened to Origin I?
Maroons leaders: Captain Daly Cherry-Evans and new coach Billy Slater. (Getty Images: Mark Kolbe)
Queensland won an exciting first 16-10 series match at Sydney’s Olympic Stadium.
It was a bit of a shock, but the tight result was perhaps not the most surprising factor, rather it was Billy Slater who breathed so much composure in his first game as head coach.
Who plays Origin II?
Both the Blues and the Grenadiers made many changes after the first game, some due to injury and others for tactical reasons.
Xavier Coates’ injury resulted in a debutant in the band. (Getty Images: Cameron Spencer)
As expected, the winners only changed the things they had to do, forced to find injured substitutes for winger Xavier Coates and midfielder Reuben Cotter, with North Queensland’s Murray Taulagi ready to make his Origin debut. on the band, and Jai Arrow of South Sydney appointed. on the bench for his 10th Origin.
NSW made some major changes after their first defeat, losing Jack Wighton due to illness and dropping Kotoni Staggs, Ryan Matterson, Tariq Sims and Reagan Campbell-Gillard.
Stephen Crichton will start in the centers after playing in Origin I from the bench, which is joined by Penrith debutant and former teammate Matt Burton. Sifa Talakai is also gearing up for his first Origin from the bench, while Panthers hooker Api Koroisau has been named to number nine, replacing Damien Cook on the reserves.
Apisai Koroisau scored a try on his debut last year. (Getty Images: Paul Kane)
Home veterans Jake Trbojevic and Angus Crichton have also been called up to bolster the front group.
How can I follow Origin II live?
You can watch State of Origin II live on Channel Nine if you are in Australia. If you are tuning in from abroad, check the NRL’s list of international television stations.
We will also have a live blog on the ABC Sport and ABC News pages, and live radio coverage on ABC Sport Radio.