NRL $10,000+ State of Origin Game 2 Line-Up

After a dismal performance in the first State of Origin game, the Maroons have made an unprecedented seven changes to the side that was thrashed 28-4 in Brisbane. A new-look forward pack with fresh legs and youth on their side will be looking to rectify Queensland’s struggles in the middle of the park. The Blues, on the other hand, are unchanged and will be looking to create a new era after some prolonged Maroon dominance.

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Here is a team you may consider for the NRL $10,000+ State of Origin contest

Front Row Forward

Andrew Fifita ($17,000)

Fifita has been enormous for the Sharks for a couple of seasons now and in game one of Origin, he showed exactly why he’s considered the most dominant prop in the game. His rampaging running was unstoppable and it saw him make 183 metres, including an incredible eleven tackle breaks due to his sheer power. His ability to gain points in attack, whether it be busting tackles, getting offloads or scoring, whilst also maintaining safe defence and solid tackling numbers make him a must-have in the front-row despite his hefty price tag.

Dylan Napa ($8,500)

From the first set of Origin one it was clear that Dylan Napa belonged, as he had his massive legs pumping and gaining valuable metres for the Maroons from the start. Even though an injury to his foot seemed to affect him as the game went on, those early moments showed that Napa has what it takes at this level. He ended up with 101 metres and 24 tackles in just 40 minutes of action and will be looking to have a big performance in game two as Queensland attempt to reassert themselves in the middle.

Hooker

Nathan Peats ($12,600)

Peats was fantastic in his first Origin game, laying a game-leading 53 tackles and missing just three. His defence is unquestionable, and his quick service out of dummy-half was a highlight in the Blues in attack and allowed them opportunities that were hard to come by with Robbie Farah as hooker. Again Peats will be called upon to do a bulk of the tackling and given the lack of a second hooker on this Blues team, he should see the full 80 minutes once again.

Second Row Forward

Boyd Cordner ($13,600)

If winning his first Origin game as captain of his state wasn’t enough, Cordner went back to club level and scored two tries last week in a massive performance against the Broncos. Given that the Broncos back-row bares plenty of resemblance to the Queensland back-row, there is no doubt that Cordner will gain confidence from that game. In Origin one, the skipper played the full game and managed 151 metres and 37 tackles in a true no-frills, captain’s performance. He will play big minutes again on Wednesday and he always finds a way to step up in the big games.

Matt Gillett ($13,400)

Gillett wasn’t at his best in game one, as he missed seven tackles and had just six runs in attack. However, with the Maroons new-look pack, there is every chance that he will be given more opportunities on the edge as his props hold their own in the middle. Gillett is not only a defensive workhorse, but is also an excellent attacking option that gives the Maroons a ball-player in the back-row. Queensland will undoubtedly want to get the ball into his hands and allow him to rack up some attacking stats.

Centre

Will Chambers ($8,800)

Although plenty of praise was heaped on Corey Oates and Dane Gagai for their performances in game one, Chambers was excellent for the Maroons as well. He was the primary ball runner in attack and made 184 metres from his 23 runs and ended up breaking nine tackles as well. His impact in big games is unquestionable and with the series on the line for the Maroons, they will be looking to Chambers to have another massive game for them in game two.

Half

James Maloney ($8,450)

After starring for the Blues in game three last year, Maloney continued his stellar Origin form with a great game in Origin I which included him scoring the first try. He ended up with two line breaks, four conversions, a try and 83 metres in a standout attacking performance and there is no doubt that he can replicate this in game two. The Blues rely so heavily on Maloney to guide them around the park and there is no doubt that he will find a way to have an impact in attack.

Wing/Fullback

Darius Boyd ($8,450)

The return of Billy Slater has seen a move to the centres for Boyd, who last played there in 2009. This has resulted in widespread criticism of the gamble taken by Kevin Walters, and there is no doubt that a player of Boyd’s calibre will be looking to respond. Whilst he was quiet in game one, Boyd’s ability to find himself on the end of Queensland attacks has been a trademark of his for years and with Johnathan Thurston back, there is every chance this happens again.

Jarryd Hayne ($7,900)

Hayne has been quiet for the Titans this season, but this didn’t stop him having a big statistical impact in game one. His offload which set up Brett Morris to have a massive run down the left edge was incredible and he ended up with 137 metres, a line break, four tackle breaks and a try which resulted in a massive Draftstars score. Hayne is picked on his ability to step up in big games and he will be desperate to have an impact as the Blues attempt to close out the series.

The Line Up

FR-F: Andrew Fifita ($17,000)

FR-F: Dylan Napa ($8,500)

HOOK: Nathan Peats ($12,600)

2R-F: Boyd Cordner ($13,600)

2R-F: Matt Gillett ($13,400)

C: Will Chambers ($8,800)

HALF: James Maloney ($8,450)

W/FB: Darius Boyd ($8,450)

W/FB: Jarryd Hayne ($7,900)

Salary Remaining: $1,300