The under-fire coach is reluctant to rush into any big calls despite the disastrous loss.
George Clarke, AAP
Queensland are well aware of what debutant NSW winger Mark Nawaqanitawase can bring to the Origin arena after his performances for the Kangaroos.
Melissa Woods and Joel Gould
Premier Roger Cook has declared WA now deserves to become the home of AFL Origin after the State proved it could turn it on to host the historic match.
Joe Spagnolo
Kane Cornes will run from Scarborough to Matagarup Bridge as part of a televised event to promote the AFL State of Origin blockbuster at Optus Stadium in a fortnight’s time.
West Australia’s aerial supremacy versus Victoria’s mighty midfield. That’s an early impression of how February’s State of Origin clash at Optus Stadium will shape up.
Glen Quartermain
Western Australia is firming as the host State for the return of Australian rules State of Origin next year.
Queensland have held off a furious NSW fightback to claim a 26-24 win at Optus Stadium and ensure the State of Origin series goes the distance.
Ben Smith
Queensland may look to have their backs against the wall on the eve of State of Origin game two in Perth — but Maroons coach Billy Slater is looking only at the opportunities presenting themselves.
Premier Roger Cook and Sports Minister Rita Saffioti have pushed for the return of State of Origin footy as momentum gathers for a return of the once hugely popular spectacle.
Nicola Healey took her young son Carter to the major event after purchasing tickets through Ticketek, but the night ended in tears before the game even started.
Max Corstorphan
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is the NRL’s most watchable player - full back for the Dolphins and a try-scoring State of Origin machine for Queensland - and he’s coming to Perth.
Queensland have beaten NSW 22-12 in a pulsating State of Origin series decider in front of 52,385 fans at Suncorp Stadium.
Murray Wenzel
Penrith playmaker Nathan Cleary has won the praises of his New South Wales coach and captain after the halfback delivered a man-of-the-match showing to level the State of Origin series at Optus Stadium.
Queensland five-eighth Cameron Munster will have scans on a shoulder injury that could rule him out of Brisbane's State of Origin decider.
A 24-point masterclass from five-eighth Nathan Cleary has helped New South Wales crush Queensland and square up the State of Origin series in front of a sell-out Optus Stadium crowd.
Perth’s State of Origin game has exploded to life late in the first half, with Queensland’s game one hero Cameron Munster producing the highlight, despite his side trailing.
Jackson Barrett
Perth may still be without an NRL team to call its own, but fans have spoken with their feet ahead of Sunday’s State of Origin clash at Optus Stadium. SEE THE PICS
Optus Stadium’s transition from AFL mecca to the temporary centre of the rugby league universe is complete. WATCH IT TRANSFORM BEFORE YOUR EYES HERE
NSW coach Brad Fittler was giving little away to fans and reporters on the eve of Origin II in Perth as the Blues look to square the series.
George Clarke
For this weekend, Perth is the ‘centre of the rugby league universe’ and hundreds of fans have flocked to the heart of the City to celebrate State of Origin’s arrival. SEE THE PICS
Nick Taylor & Jackson Barrett
Billy Slater has emerged from a rookie coach’s ‘nightmare scenario’ to put Queensland on the cusp of a State of Origin series win.
Queensland five-eighth Cameron Munster knows his patience will be tested by Blues enforcer Liam Martin, who he expects will target him physically.
Perth should ‘go in boots and all’ to be the next National Rugby League franchise, says NSW Blues football manager Peter Parr.
Nick Taylor
