Channel 9 and 9Now will broadcast Ampol State of Origin II – Queensland versus New South Wales – live and free from the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Wednesday, 17 June, with coverage beginning at 7.00pm AEST.
The match marks the first time the series has been played at the MCG in this chapter of the rivalry, with New South Wales looking to seal the series following their Game I victory. Queensland must win to keep the series alive.
Broadcast and commentary team
Wide World of Sports’ coverage will be hosted by James Bracey, joined by Andrew Johns, Cameron Smith, Phil Gould, Darren Lockyer, Johnathan Thurston, Paul Gallen, and Brad Fittler.
Danika Mason will deliver sideline updates alongside Fittler and Lockyer, while Allana Ferguson joins the panel for match-up analysis. In the commentary box, Mathew Thompson is flanked by Johns and Smith.
9Now’s Battle View feature
9Now will offer a multi-view live stream feature called Battle View, allowing viewers to watch the main game alongside individual player feeds for NSW playmaker Mitch Moses and Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga simultaneously on one screen.
Pre-game programming
Nine’s build-up coverage includes feature segments on the 20th anniversary of Darren Lockyer’s series-clinching try in Game 3 of the 2006 series in Melbourne, as well as a segment in which Johns discusses NSW halfback Nathan Cleary’s Origin record following his player of the match performance in Game I.
Pre-match programming on Channel 9 and 9Now includes:
• 100% Footy, Monday, 15 June – Nathan Cleary and Cameron Munster appear on the show.
• Captains Press Conference, live on 9Now, Tuesday, 16 June at 12.15pm – featuring Queensland coach Billy Slater, Cameron Munster, Harry Grant, NSW coach Laurie Daley, captain Isaah Yeo, and Cameron Murray.
• Freddy and the Eighth, Tuesday, 16 June – Brad Fittler and Andrew Johns preview the game with Mason, joined by players from NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders and NSW Blues enforcer Hudson Young.
• Six Tackles with Gus Origin II preview – Phil Gould and Nine NRL caller Mathew Thompson preview the game.
Broadcast times by state
Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne: 7.00pm live on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Adelaide: 6.30pm live on 9GemHD; 7.00pm on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Perth: 5.00pm live on 9GemHD; 5.30pm on Channel 9HD and 9Now
A 20-minute mini-match replay will be available on 9Now after the game.