State of Origin game two live blog: Live scores and all the latest updates as Queensland try to save the series
08:23
Looking for a skillful, fast-flowing game? We have some bad news...
There's a 90 per cent chance of rain in Perth at kickoff time, and a quick look at the rain radar just showed pockets of downpours coursing over the city.
This year's first Origin match was deservedly panned for being a low-quality affair full of handling errors and poor discipline, making it more like a club game than footy's biggest attraction - and now there are decent odds the second rubber will be a dour and conservative affair due to the weather.
08:18
Paul Green's family break their silence
Green's brother Rick has spoken out after Billy Slater called the late coach's wife Amanda (pictured together, below) to apologise 'for any hurt' his comments caused the family.
'The family regrets that Paul's name was brought into the current narrative and the manner this has been done,' Rick Green told the Sydney Morning Herald.
'The family wants to reiterate that we love Queensland and its team. We also bear great respect for the person charged with the team's performance.
'It was unfortunate that Mr Slater made the reference that he did, but he has responded appropriately and apologised without reservation.
'We sincerely wish him the best in his role as the coach of our state team.'
08:10
A look back at the biggest story of Origin so far
It was one of the quietest and safest build-ups to Origin for years - until Billy Slater brought footy legend Paul Green's tragic death into it as he hit back at Aaron Woods.
The former NSW star had branded Slater a grub - and despite having a week to prepare his comeback, the Queensland coach got it horribly wrong on Tuesday afternoon.
By this morning he was issuing a public apology after calling Green's widow to apologise for any hurt he'd caused the family.
Billy Slater backs down over shock comments on footy icon's suicide
The Queensland coach backtracked completely on his comments from Tuesday afternoon as he responded to being called a grub by former NSW star turned radio personality Aaron Woods.
08:07
The view from Perth
This shot was taken not too long ago at Optus Stadium, with all 60,000 seats sold out for tonight's match.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
18 minutes ago
- BBC News
Nine years on the trot
Perhaps one of the reasons Manchester United have the best opening-day record in the Premier League era - with 22 wins from 33 games - is because they regularly kick off their campaigns at Old fact, 2025-26 will be the ninth consecutive season the Red Devils start their season with home advantage. They have opened at home 23 times since the formation of the Premier League, a figure matched only by their first opponents this time around, fixtures at home in Premier League:Man Utd - 23Arsenal - 23Chelsea - 22Everton - 22Newcastle - 18
The Sun
20 minutes ago
- The Sun
Transfer news LIVE: Pep CONFIRMS Grealish exit plan, Son at centre of three-way race, Walker to Everton EXCLUSIVE
United to move fast with signings Manchester United chief Omer Berrada has promised fans the club will do their business "early" this transfer window. The Red Devils chief executive said: "We're going to do our best to do more signings quickly. "Sometimes when you're quick, it's because you're negotiating and you're trying to make sure you get the right value for money. "So being efficient or quick isn't necessarily the best thing for the club."
Daily Mail
25 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Footy fans all say the same thing about Penrith star Nathan Cleary - as Maroons survive dramatic late NSW surge to level the series
Nathan Cleary appeared to defer kicking duties for New South Wales star Zac Lomax on Wednesday night after the Penrith Panthers playmaker took to the footy field for State of Origin II with some strapping on his thigh. Despite a spirited second-half comeback, the Blues couldn't quite seal victory, with Cameron Munster's side holding out in a dramatic finish, to win the match 26-24 and level the series at 1-1. The sight of the white support grip on his right hamstring sent tongues wagging on social media, with some New South Wales fans left baffled at why the four-time premiership-winning half was playing in such a crucial game. Though the nature of the injury still appears unknown, the 27-year-old did not kick in the captain's run, however, continued to play out the match, even crossing the whitewash to score a try that was later disallowed for obstruction. It also comes as Cleary didn't play last week, with the Panthers on a bye round. NRL Physio wrote on X: 'Nathan Cleary is playing through a right thigh issue in Origin 2 that is restricting his kicking. 'He has handed the goal kicking over to Zac Lomax & was reportedly unable to kick at the captain's run. Wearing thigh compression that he hasn't previously as well.' Nathan Cleary is playing through a right thigh issue in Origin 2 that is restricting his kicking. He has handed the goal kicking over to Zac Lomax & was reportedly unable to kick at captain's run. Wearing thigh compression that he hasn't previously as well. — NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) June 18, 2025 But the post prompted many fans to question why he started, with some arguing Dolphins star Isaiya Katoa should have been given a chance to play. 'Should have pulled out if not fit, Katoa would have added more than he is showing,' one wrote on X. 'Why play him?' another said, while one argued: 'Why is he playing then.' 'So he can't run? And he's playing oh my god it can't get any more stupid,' another wrote. One even asked what Laurie Daly's side had been doing in training: 'Moses and Cleary, what are they doing at training?' New South Wales came out the blocks flying in the first half, with Brian To'o, who scored a hat-trick of tries, crossing the line after six minutes. However, it was a spirited comeback performance from the Maroons, who ultimately levelled the series at 1-1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow took a brace of tries, while Cameron Munster - a stand-out - and Kurt Capewell both crossed over before half-time. The Blues kept the Maroons scoreless in the second term, with tries from Stephen Crichton and his namesake Angus late on putting the pressure on the Maroons. It was a tight finish, but Billy Slater's side ultimately hung on to get the win.
