Michael Maguire’s best-laid plans went out the window in the opening 10 minutes of Game 1 when Joseph Suaalii was sent off for his KO high shot on Reece Walsh.
The experienced Queensland halves then set about picking through the gaps in the Blues’ defence, despite some spirited work from New South Wales in front of a deflated home crowd.
In the end, the Maroons ran out 38-10 winners to give them a huge boost in their mission to retain the State of Origin shield
Dylan Edwards has been re-included following a late withdrawal from Game I due to a quad injury he picked up in training.
The fullback will replace James Tedesco after emerging from Penrith’s game against Newcastle unscathed.
Joseph Suaalii endured a horror debut, becoming the sixth player in Origin history to be sent from the field.
In his absence, Latrell Mitchell has earned a recall at left centre after being on fire in recent weeks, selected over Bradman Best and Jesse Ramien.
Zac Lomax was impressive on debut and has kept his spot after the hamstring injury to Josh Addo-Carr.
Mitch Moses is back on deck after missing two months of the season due to a foot injury and has been picked for Game II. Nicho Hynes and Jarome Luai were in the halves for the opener, but only the latter has kept his spot.
Jake Trbojevic was only used for 30 minutes across two stints in the middle after being named skipper but will remain up front.
Reece Robson got through the full game at hooker and came up with some big defensive plays, keeping Api Koroisau at bay.
Liam Martin is nursing an injury after being selected and is in doubt to feature at the MCG.
Cameron Murray made his return from injury and has forced his way into the side, pushing Cameron McInnes out of the 17.
Connor Watson will start from the bench in a slightly unexpected pick, while Mitch Barnett is the 18th man.
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