Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

State of Origin Game 2 man of the match voting became the next major talking point after Queensland defeated New South Wales 44-24 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday night to keep the series alive.

Nathan Cleary entered the match with strong attention after being named man of the match for his role in New South Wales’ Game 1 comeback against Queensland. The New South Wales halfback also had a chance to strengthen his case for man of the series honours.

For more rugby league coverage, read NRL Round 16 team news: Wests Tigers await Alex Twal as Newcastle Knights weigh Origin rests. Fans can also follow official series updates through the State of Origin page on NRL.com.

Queensland force the series forward

Queensland’s 44-24 win changed the tone of the series and put fresh pressure on New South Wales after the Blues had taken the opener. The Maroons produced the kind of scoring performance that can swing momentum sharply in an Origin contest.

Game 2 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground carried extra weight because New South Wales had the chance to seal the series. Instead, Queensland’s response ensured the man of the match debate would sit alongside the wider series picture.

Cleary’s Origin race remains alive

Cleary’s Game 1 display gave him an early lead in the player of the series conversation, but the Game 2 result means the award race is now more open.

The best-on-ground call will likely come down to who had the clearest say in Queensland’s win, with impact plays, kicking control, defensive pressure and late-game composure all part of the discussion.

New South Wales will now need to reset after missing the chance to close out the series. Queensland, meanwhile, will take confidence from a high-scoring win that keeps their hopes alive.