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

NSW Blues pressure has grown after their 44-24 State of Origin Game 2 loss to Queensland Maroons at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday night, with Luke Keary questioning the belief and direction inside Laurie Daley’s squad before the Suncorp Stadium decider.

Queensland Maroons recovered from a 12-8 deficit and finished strongly, leaving New South Wales Blues with major selection and coaching questions before Game 3. The result matters because the series now goes to Brisbane, where Queensland will carry momentum and home-ground energy.

For more on the wider Origin debate, read Luke Keary Says NSW Blues Selection Debate Misses State of Origin Decider Issue, while the latest fixture details are available through the official NRL State of Origin match centre.

Keary Points To Maguire Difference

Luke Keary said the contrast between the current New South Wales Blues setup and Michael Maguire’s 2024 camp was clear from what he saw as a squad member last year.

“I go off what’s happening on the field. Last year was bad. This year is not good,” he said.

Keary recalled Maguire meeting players, former players and wider squad members with a Blues jersey, asking what the jumper meant before presenting that message back to the team.

“He was meticulous, he had people in tears during that camp. I walked out of the MCG and went these boys are winning this series. He brought that much belief.

“Matty Johns said it last night. He said there’s a belief problem in this team, and you can see it. The punters can see it in the crowd.”

Daley Appointment Under Fire

NRL 360 host Braith Anasta questioned New South Wales Rugby League’s call to bring Daley back after his long spell away from regular top-level coaching.

“A lot changes in our game in terms of structures, rules — everything. It’s a totally different sport almost,” Anasta said.

Veteran journalist Brent Read also said officials should carry some blame if New South Wales Blues lose the series.

“They made this decision and Laurie’s record wasn’t great. Now, everyone says he was up against the greatest Queensland team of all time and you can take that into account, but they had a decision to make a couple of years ago, they went down this path and they’ve got to bare some responsibility for it because at the moment you would say it’s been a really poor decision.”

Daley now faces a defining Game 3 at Suncorp Stadium, with selection calls around Mitchell Moses, Ethan Strange and Haumole Olakau’atu adding to the pressure.