The second game of the 2025 State of Origin series is in the books with Queensland emerging victorious at Optus Stadium during a thriller in Perth.
The Maroons headed into the clash under massive pressure as they attempted to fend off a fourth win in a row for the Blues.
QLD came firing out of the traps and produced a dominant first half that ultimately got them the chocolates before they held on against a surging NSW comeback in the second stanza to secure the 26-24 result and force a decider.
The Sporting News takes a look at what the damage could be from Game II for NRL clubs in Round 16.
MORE: Queensland Maroons player ratings | New South Wales Blues player ratings
Who won’t back-up after State of Origin 2025 Game II?
For the second time in a row, Canterbury players won't be required to back up after playing in Origin. This means that Stephen Crichton, Max King and Kurt Mann will get to put their feet up.
St George Illawarra are also on the bye, so Valentine Holmes won't be required to back up after he did so after Game I.
Manly Sea Eagles are also not playing this weekend, although they have no Origin representatives as Daly Cherry-Evans was dropped from the QLD side after the series opener.
Who will back-up after State of Origin Game II?
Wests Tigers vs. Canberra Raiders (Friday, June 20 at 8:00pm AEST)
Tigers:
- Jarome Luai
Raiders:
- Hudson Young
Latest updates:
Jarome Luai will play on a short turnaround for the Tigers. The five-eighth was put on report during Game II for an alleged eye-gouge but copped only a financial penalty for his conduct.
Hudson Young benefitted from the longest turnaround in the NRL after Game I but is now faced with the shortest.
New Zealand Warriors vs. Penrith Panthers (Saturday, June 21 at 3:00pm AEST)
Warriors:
Kurt Capewell
Panthers:
Dylan EdwardsBrian To'oNathan ClearyLiam MartinIsaah Yeo
Latest updates:
Kurt Capewell was drafted in the QLD side following the state's opening loss and he will not play for the Warriors as he faced a long journey from Perth to New Zealand.
Ivan Cleary has not named any of his Origin stars for Penrith's clash across the ditch. Although Lindsay Smith, who was part of the Blues' extended squad in Game II, will travel and play.
Dolphins vs. Newcastle Knights (Saturday, June 21 at 5:30pm AEST)
Dolphins:
- Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
Knights:
- Kalyn Ponga
Latest updates:
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow didn't have to back up after Game I due to the Phins having the bye. However, he is likely to do so this time around due to the NRL clash also being held in Perth.
Kalyn Ponga was a late withdrawal from Newcastle's clash after the Origin opener and was reportedly furious with the decision. He is likely to play this time thanks to a longer turnaround.
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Melbourne Storm (Saturday, June 21 at 7:35pm AEST)
Rabbitohs:
- Latrell Mitchell
Storm:
Xavier Coates- Cameron Munster
- Harry Grant
- Stefano Utoikamanu
- Trent Loiero
Latest updates:
Latrell Mitchell is expected to play after getting through Origin II unscathed.
Craig Bellamy named all of his Origin stars to play on Saturday night, although Xavier Coates has since been ruled out of the clash as the winger's workload is managed.
Brisbane Broncos vs. Cronulla Sharks (Sunday, June 22 at 2:00pm AEST)
Broncos:
- Payne Haas
- Patrick Carrigan
Latest updates:
Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan backed up for Michael Maguire's side after the Origin opener and the duo are attempting to do so once again.
Sydney Roosters vs. North Queensland Cowboys (Sunday, June 22 at 4:05pm AEST)
Roosters:
- Robert Toia
- Connor Watson
- Lindsay Collins
- Spencer Leniu
- Angus Crichton
Cowboys:
- Tom Dearden
- Reece Robson
- Jeremiah Nanai
- Reuben Cotter
Latest updates:
Trent Robinson has named all of his rep players for their clash on Sunday afternoon against the equally as compromised Cowboys.
Todd Payten has named all of his rep players as the Cowboys attempt to snap a poor run of form.
Parrammata Eels vs. Gold Coast Titans (Sunday, June 22 at 6:15pm AEST)
Eels:
- Zac Lomax
Titans:
- Moeaki Fotuaika
- Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
Latest updates:
Zac Lomax backed up after the Origin opener and is likely to play once again for the Eels after being named to start on the wing. He avoided a ban from Game II despite being cited for elbowing Trent Loiero.
Des Hasler has named both of his Origin forwards on the bench as Gold Coast go in search of back-to-back wins. The coach revealed on Thursday morning that they got through Game II unscathed.