Queensland and New South Wales meet at the MCG for State of Origin Game II, with Queensland aiming to keep the series alive and NSW looking to clinch series victory. Multiple outlets describe the match as being shaped by a difficult lead-in for NSW, including injuries and withdrawals that disrupt preparations and contribute to concerns about the team’s early performance. The coverage frames Queensland’s situation as needing a strong result at the MCG to extend the series, while NSW’s goal is to respond to earlier setbacks and secure the series. Across the reports, the common emphasis is on NSW’s struggle with “woeful starts,” paired with the challenge of adjusting to personnel changes before and around the match. With the game underway at the MCG, updates track the contest in real time as Queensland try to turn their position into a series advantage and NSW attempt to overcome late disruptions and improve their fast starts.