Queensland lead the 3 game series 1-0 and later today the 2nd game is scheduled to be played at the iconic **Melbourne Cricket Ground**.  Melbourne is touted as a *“Neutral”* venue and the MCG is a rounded, not rectangular field so it’s a bit unusual for Rugby League to be played there.  However, dollars are king in this sport and they’re trying to grow the game to a new audience so...whatever.

<center>![](https://images.ecency.com/DQmUBW7Mx1N1qLKwWYjQV2K1RwqsVbX3nKwZHFnvtNhQMGq/origin2preview.png)
[Source](https://www.nrl.com/news/2024/06/25/i-should-have-reacted-crichtons-mcg-warning-to-dce/)</center>

The build up to this 2nd game has been fairly typical.  There has been a lot of hoo-ha from the NSW side as they **Scapegoated** a couple of players from the first game loss and airdropped in some *“Saviors”*.  For some reason the betting markets have NSW down as favorites to win the 2nd game even after losing the 1st game and the series for the last 2 years in a row.  This is pretty typical too because the markets usually skew toward NSW.  After the last game I wrote :-

> In the past NSW have always sacked 1 or 2 of their Playmaker Halves after a loss like this and I expect they will do that again. I also expect they will be forced into recalling the polarizing Latrell Mitchell to the Centres  
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This is exactly what has happened.  There has been a lot of niggle going on in the media heading into this 2nd game. Accusations of cheap shots, targeting players to hurt them and generally throwing stones at glass houses.  I personally find it pretty distasteful and a bit of a wank to be honest, but this is how the media muppets like to build up the game and make sure the players come out breathing fire.

I expect the game to be fairly close once again.  I think Queensland should be favorites and NSW have again made several psychological mistakes in preparation for Game 2.  I don’t think they learnt anything from Game 1 because the **Send Off** of Sua'ali'i gave them an excuse.

I reckon Queensland will niggle Latrell Mitchell and that may put him off his game as he will likely react and want to scrap.  If I could bet he’ll spend 10 minutes in the **Sin Bin** at some point in this game - I would.  Hard to predict a NSW victory here but they are still a good chance and it should be fun to watch anyway.