sport news State of Origin game two: All you need to know about NSW Blues vs Queensland ... trends now
It all comes down to this for the NSW Blues: lose in Perth tonight, and the Queensland Maroons, yet again as huge outsiders, will win State of Origin for 2022.
Blues coach Brad Fittler has wielded the axe after the side's disappointing 16-10 loss in game one, while Maroons players have showered praise on rookie coach Billy Slater's influence on the squad.
Each state's preparation for the game has been markedly different, with Fittler's men making the five-hour flight over to Western Australia on Monday, while Slater elected to do the majority of the side's training in Queensland - only flying in on Thursday.
It's one of the biggest rugby league games of the year - so what do you need to know about the do or die clash at Perth's Optus Stadium?
Captains James Tedesco (left) and Daly Cherry-Evans (right) with the State of Origin shield
Start time
The game is scheduled to kick-off at 5.50pm local time, which is 7.50pm AEST. That is twenty minutes earlier than game one started, which was in Sydney - but Origin matches never kick off on time, so expect a delay of about 10 minutes or more.
Are the fans out in force in Perth?
The NRL have confirmed the game is officially a sell-out in a statement released on Sunday afternoon.
'The National Rugby League (NRL) announced today that Ampol State of Origin Two in Perth had officially sold out,' the statement said
'Following Queensland's win in Game One of the series in Sydney, State of Origin's first trip back to Optus Stadium since 2019 will be played in front of a full house.'
Jeremiah Nanai (centre) pulls out a huge tackle on NSW's Ryan Matterson (right)
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said it was a great result for all involved.
'We are thrilled to announce a sell-out in Perth for the second Ampol State of Origin match,' he said.
'The response from our supporters has confirmed Origin as the greatest rivalry in Australian sport, offering a unique experience for fans on and off the field.'
Broadcast information
TV: Channel 9 are the sole television broadcasters for the game, with coverage to start at 7pm, and end at approximately 10.30pm. Fox Footy also have pre and post-game shows at 6pm and 9.45pm respectively, though they won't be showing the game.
Radio: ABC, Triple M and 2GB will all be calling the game live.
Kalyn Ponga (centre) celebrates the game one win with Cam Munster and Felise Kaufusi
Expected starting sides
NSW made two late changes to the starting side just before kick-off in game one, with Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Liam Martin promoted in favour of Cameron Murrary and Junior Paulo, while Queensland lined up 1-17.
Queensland
Maroons coach Billy Slater was into two key changes after injuries to Reuben Cotter and Xavier Coates, with Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi replacing Coates on the
