Game II
Although the media speculated immediately after game I that New South Wales selectors would stick firm with the initial squad, by the time the game II team was announced on 15 June a number of injuries paved the way for numerous changes including the selection of shadow players to cover some players in doubt: Trent Barrett was recalled in his first season back in the NRL since 2007 replacing Terry Campese (dropped); Paul Gallen was selected at lock, replacing Anthony Laffranchi (dropped); Glenn Stewart and Anthony Watmough were moved onto the interchange bench replacing the injured Lewis and Luke Bailey; David Williams was picked on the wing to replace the injured James McManus. Blues selectors also named three shadow players – Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Joel Monaghan and Josh Morris to cover injuries doubts over Michael Jennings, Jamie Lyon and Craig Wing. Ultimately, Monaghan and Morris came into the side for Jennings and Wing respectively who failed to overcome injury.
Despite seven players being struck by a virus 24 hours before kick-off, for Queensland the only change was Willie Tonga who was selected to replace the injured Justin Hodges and to make his first Origin appearance since 2004. Neville Costigan was put on stand-by as 18th man instead of Matthew Scott. This was also the first time ever that every club in the NRL provided a player for State of Origin.
| 24 June | New South Wales | 14 – 24 | Queensland | ANZ Stadium, Sydney Attendance: 80,459 Referee/s: Shayne Hayne, Tony Archer Man of the Match: Sam Thaiday |
| Tries Hayne (28', 37') 2 Williams (62') 1 Goals Gidley 1/3 |
(Report) (Game stats) |
Tries 1 (6') Inglis 1 (17') Folau 1 (24') Lockyer 1 (79') Smith Goals 4/4 Thurston |
Queensland were set to make history by achieving four series wins in a row. They looked on their way when they went out to an 18–0 lead after 25 minutes with tries to Greg Inglis, Israel Folau and Darren Lockyer. A 22nd minute high shot from Trent Barrett on Inglis, fractured his jaw and saw the Queenslander sidelined for the remainder of the match. Petero Civoniceva also suffered a season-ending foot injury in the first half. Two miraculous tries to Jarryd Hayne had NSW on the comeback trail at halftime. New South Wales then scored again with just under 20 minutes to go to make it a 18–14 scoreline with debutant David Williams scoring. It looked as though NSW could snatch an upset but Queensland put the game beyond doubt when Cameron Smith scored with a minute remaining making the final score 24–14. The Maroons therefore become the first side to win 4 series in a row, since the State Of Origin began in 1980 winning 2006, 2007, 2008 and now 2009.
Read more about this topic: 2009 State Of Origin Series
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