What time will State of Origin Game 2 actually start tonight?
Game 2 of the 2024 State of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and NSW Blues is scheduled to kick off at 8:05pm AEST in Melbourne tonight.
In recent years the actual kick-off has been reasonably close to the scheduled time. However, before that it was a long-running joke about how much the scheduled kick-off was dragged out, presumably to get more advertising spots in for Channel Nine before the game.
Game 1’s kickoff was at 8:08pm, very close to the scheduled starting time but still slightly late.
Either way, we can still have some fun by predicting when the kick-off will be.
The Welcome to Country and National Anthem usually take place around five minutes before kick-off, so we should know by then whether the match will actually begin on time.
Will Origin II kick off within five minutes of its schedule like in Game 1, or will we see it get dragged out longer than cinema commercials and trailers before the main event?
If you’re lucky enough to be going to the game, check out our full guide for when gates open and details on the curtain-raiser match.
When is Origin 2024: Dates, times, schedule of fixtures for New South Wales Blues vs Queensland Maroons
Is Queensland on the cusp of another State of Origin dynasty?
New Blues coach Michael Maguire certainly hopes not, with the former Rabbitohs, Wests Tigers and Kiwis coach looking to stop a two-year skid that sealed the end of Brad Fittler’s NSW tenure.
The NRL has opted to keep the series over a six-week period in the middle of the season, knocking back requests from some figures in the game to condense the representative period.
MORE STATE OF ORIGIN COVERAGE
Which state has won more Origin series?
When was the last State of Origin series whitewash?
It got ugly: State of Origin’s biggest winning margin
Will Ray Warren come out of retirement to commentate 100th Origin game?
Which NRL club has the biggest advantage for the State of Origin period?
Sporting News has everything you need to know about the 2024 State of Origin series.
State of Origin 2024 series schedule
Who won State of Origin Game 1?
Queensland 38 - 10 NSW
It was Queensland who emerged victorious last night, securing an emphatic 38-10 win.
The Maroons struck during their first visit into NSW's half, with Daly Cherry-Evans craftily finding Ben Hunt for the opening try.
Minutes later, the match was flipped on its head when Blues debutant Joseph Suaalii hit opposition fullback Reece Walsh late with a nasty high shot.
He was given his marching orders by Ashley Klein – the earliest send-off in Origin history – and left NSW with 12 men for the remaining 72 minutes.
Walsh exited the field and did not return.
When is State of Origin Game 2?
Wednesday, June 26 - MCG, Melbourne
Did someone say cattle dog?
While the fireworks of 1995 are unlikely to be replayed at Australia’s largest sports ground, there’ll be plenty of feeling in it when State of Origin returns to the MCG for the first time since 2018.
MORE: Which state has won more Origin series?
When is State of Origin Game 3?
Wednesday, July 17 - Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Will the series be alive come July 17? The Blues will certainly be hoping they’ve already secured the series.
Of the 12 times an Origin decider has been played in Brisbane, New South Wales have won just twice: 1994 and 2005.
Last year, the Maroons emerged victorious to the tune of 32-6 in Game II at Suncorp to wrap up the 2023 series.
Women's State of Origin 2024
For the first time, a three-match series will also decide the Women's State of Origin.
Previously, either a standalone fixture or two home-and-away games have been played.
All three matches will be broadcast live on the Nine network.
Women's State of Origin 2024 series schedule
Game 1: Thursday, May 16 (Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane)
Game 2: Thursday, June 6 (McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle)
Game 3: Thursday, June 27 (Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville)
Under-19s State of Origin 2024
An under-19s Origin double-header will also be played in 2024, with both men's and women's matches to be played at Leichhardt Oval on Thursday, June 20.
🔴 STREAMING==►► CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE
🔴 STREAMING==►► CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE
What time will State of Origin Game 2 actually start tonight?
Game 2 of the 2024 State of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and NSW Blues is scheduled to kick off at 8:05pm AEST in Melbourne tonight.
In recent years the actual kick-off has been reasonably close to the scheduled time. However, before that it was a long-running joke about how much the scheduled kick-off was dragged out, presumably to get more advertising spots in for Channel Nine before the game.
Game 1’s kickoff was at 8:08pm, very close to the scheduled starting time but still slightly late.
Either way, we can still have some fun by predicting when the kick-off will be.
The Welcome to Country and National Anthem usually take place around five minutes before kick-off, so we should know by then whether the match will actually begin on time.
Will Origin II kick off within five minutes of its schedule like in Game 1, or will we see it get dragged out longer than cinema commercials and trailers before the main event?
If you’re lucky enough to be going to the game, check out our full guide for when gates open and details on the curtain-raiser match.
When is Origin 2024: Dates, times, schedule of fixtures for New South Wales Blues vs Queensland Maroons
Is Queensland on the cusp of another State of Origin dynasty?
New Blues coach Michael Maguire certainly hopes not, with the former Rabbitohs, Wests Tigers and Kiwis coach looking to stop a two-year skid that sealed the end of Brad Fittler’s NSW tenure.
The NRL has opted to keep the series over a six-week period in the middle of the season, knocking back requests from some figures in the game to condense the representative period.
MORE STATE OF ORIGIN COVERAGE
Which state has won more Origin series?
When was the last State of Origin series whitewash?
It got ugly: State of Origin’s biggest winning margin
Will Ray Warren come out of retirement to commentate 100th Origin game?
Which NRL club has the biggest advantage for the State of Origin period?
Sporting News has everything you need to know about the 2024 State of Origin series.
State of Origin 2024 series schedule
Who won State of Origin Game 1?
Queensland 38 - 10 NSW
It was Queensland who emerged victorious last night, securing an emphatic 38-10 win.
The Maroons struck during their first visit into NSW's half, with Daly Cherry-Evans craftily finding Ben Hunt for the opening try.
Minutes later, the match was flipped on its head when Blues debutant Joseph Suaalii hit opposition fullback Reece Walsh late with a nasty high shot.
He was given his marching orders by Ashley Klein – the earliest send-off in Origin history – and left NSW with 12 men for the remaining 72 minutes.
Walsh exited the field and did not return.
When is State of Origin Game 2?
Wednesday, June 26 - MCG, Melbourne
Did someone say cattle dog?
While the fireworks of 1995 are unlikely to be replayed at Australia’s largest sports ground, there’ll be plenty of feeling in it when State of Origin returns to the MCG for the first time since 2018.
MORE: Which state has won more Origin series?
When is State of Origin Game 3?
Wednesday, July 17 - Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Will the series be alive come July 17? The Blues will certainly be hoping they’ve already secured the series.
Of the 12 times an Origin decider has been played in Brisbane, New South Wales have won just twice: 1994 and 2005.
Last year, the Maroons emerged victorious to the tune of 32-6 in Game II at Suncorp to wrap up the 2023 series.
Women's State of Origin 2024
For the first time, a three-match series will also decide the Women's State of Origin.
Previously, either a standalone fixture or two home-and-away games have been played.
All three matches will be broadcast live on the Nine network.
Women's State of Origin 2024 series schedule
Game 1: Thursday, May 16 (Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane)
Game 2: Thursday, June 6 (McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle)
Game 3: Thursday, June 27 (Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville)
Under-19s State of Origin 2024
An under-19s Origin double-header will also be played in 2024, with both men's and women's matches to be played at Leichhardt Oval on Thursday, June 20.