New South Wales fell short of the greatest State of Origin comeback in history as Queensland held on for a 26-24 victory in Game II.
The Blues entered into the contest as the heavy favourites, yet the Maroons produced a commanding first-half performance to stun Laurie Daley's side.
The onslaught in the first stanza clearly frustrated NSW with Zac Lomax and Jarome Luai both put on report for lashing out at the opposition.
MORE STATE OF ORIGIN COVERAGE: New South Wales Blues player ratings | Queensland Maroons player ratings
Zac Lomax and Jarome Luai charged after Game II incidents
Luai was the first player to catch the attention of referee Ashley Klein during a nightmare first stanza for the Blues.
The five-eighth was drafted into the side at late notice following Mitch Moses' untimely calf injury, and Luai was unsurprisingly right in the thick of the action.
He was accused of an eye gouge on Reuben Cotter in the 22nd minute and was cited for the incident by the Match Review Committee.
However, he has escaped with just a financial penalty for his actions, entering an early guilty plea and accepting a 13 per cent fine of his match payment.
Just six minutes later, Lomax was also put on report after lashing out at Trent Loiero with his elbow while in possession of the ball.
The lock stayed down after the contact, allowing the Bunker to review the incident. And Lomax was promptly put on report and penalised, while Loiero was forced from the field for a HIA.
Although, the winger has also escaped with a financial hit to his back pocket – he will pay 7 per cent of his match fee with an early guilty plea.
State of Origin 2025 Judiciary charges for Game 2
| PLAYER | CHARGE | GRADE | EARLY PLEA | GUILTY AT PANEL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jarome Luai | Contrary Conduct | 2 | 13% of Match Fees | Fees |
| Zac Lomax | Dangerous Contact | 1 | 7% of Match Fees | Fees |