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Origin LIVE: Which coach is under more pressure?
SEN • June 17th, 2026 5:27 pm
- Kick-off is at 8:05pm AEST
- NSW lead the series 1-0
- The Maroons have not won a game at the MCG since 1995
Welcome to SEN.com.au's live blog of Game 2 of this year's State of Origin series between NSW and Queensland.
It's the first time that the series has been back at the Melbourne Cricket Ground since 2024, and what a match we have in store.
After completing the biggest comeback in series history in Game 1, NSW are just one win away from reclaiming the shield.
But if we've learnt anything in State of Origin's history, you should never count out Queensland, especially when they have their backs against the wall.
Make sure to listen to and follow all the action with SEN.com.au as we capture all the big moments from the MCG.
2:57pm - Billy or Laurie: Who's under more pressure?
With the pressure cooker that is State of Origin, the two coaches are often the ones bearing the brunt of it.
Coming into the series, Laurie Daley had only won one series in his previous six attempts as coach.
But with the Blues pulling off a miraculous 20-point comeback in front of a raucous Accor Stadium, NSW now has one hand on the shield.
While Billy Slater once again finds himself 1-nil down against the Blues for the second year running.
And with Queensland historically sacking coaches after they have lost two series, the former Storm fullback now finds himself under pressure.
When asked by Andrew Voss who he thought was handling the pressure better, Riccio believes the answer is clear.
"I've gotta say, I think Billy's probably handling it better," Riccio said on SEN's Front Office with Vossy.
"I'll probably only say that and I respect what you're saying in relation to the statistics that suggest that you know, coaches get moved on in Origin. It's so volatile, so intense.
"But I just feel as though with the series in the bank last year, Billy just buys a little bit more time and a little bit more security, with his coaching tenure at Queensland compared to Laurie.
"Laurie's been pretty tactical in the way he has been responding to suggestions and reports prior to this Origin series that win or lose, Laurie is planning to walk away from the head coaching job.
"Now Laurie has been at pains to say 'I'm not answering the question, I'm only focused on this week, next training, this preparation, this camp, and I won't talk about'.
"So he's not giving a definitive answer. If that's the case, well, in all honesty, there's no pressure on Laurie because he's probably already made the decision in his mind that he's going to move on."
2:30pm - How to listen to Game 2 on SEN
SEN will have three different calls of Game 2 which all kick start from 7pm AEST.
For those seeking a biased NSW call, you'll be able to listen to Brenton Speed, Blake Austin and Brett Kimmorley on Blues Radio.
Queenslanders can tune in to Mark Braybrook, Moses Mbye and Corey Parker on Maroons Radio.
While those seeking a neutral call can hear Jimmy Smith, Tim Mannah and Chad Townsend on Origin Live.
All three calls can be accessed through the SEN app, which can sync with the footage from Channel 9 with SEN Sync.
