Sky Blues captain Kezie Apps says the influence of assistant coach Geoff Toovey in camp this week had been enormous. Cameron Munster will make it his personal mission to nullify the two players he considers the best in the game – Nathan Cleary and Tom Trbojevic in Origin II on Sunday.

Blues prop Junior Paulo believes their re-jigged pack must take centre stage in game two at Suncorp Stadium to ensure their scoring blitz continues. Maroons centre Dane Gagai feels he owes it to Queensland to inspire an Origin victory on Sunday night after he was owned by Latrell Mitchell in the series opener.

Queensland have suffered a setback to their preparations for Origin two with forward Jai Arrow being hospitalised with an infection. The Warriors may add to their squad before the transfer deadline with out-of-favour Sharks halfback Chad Townsend a potential target.

Teenager Reece Walsh will become the youngest Origin debutant since in 1995 on Sunday. NSW coach Brad Fittler says having the luxury of being able to omit Melbourne's Dale Finucane from his line-up is a sign of the Blues' depth.

Blues coach Brad Fittler has brought in Roosters second-rower Angus Crichton and Storm lock Dale Finucane to his extended squad. Manly star Tom Trbojevic proved his status as the NRL’s most influential player, orchestrating a stunning Sea Eagles second-half comeback to bury an embarrassing Gold Coast 56-24 .

After starting the season with a 12-game winning streak before two straight losses, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has no regrets about resting his State of Origin stars. Panthers back-rower Liam Martin welcomed the challenge of keeping his spot in the NSW side ahead of an individual match-up with Blues hopeful Angus Crichton tonight.

The Warriors don’t believe teen prodigy Reece Walsh is ready for the State of Origin arena this year. Brisbane players are fighting for their futures with coach Kevin Walters admitting performances during the coming weeks would dictate if new contracts are offered for 2022.

Newcastle have been boosted by the return of Mitchell Pearce and Kalyn Ponga. Kobe Hetherington should not have been sent off for his high tackle Raiders forward Corey Harawira-Naera, according to NRL head of football Graham Annesley.

Canterbury rode a Jake Averillo double to their second win of the season, a convincing 28 to 6 victory against a lacklustre St George Illawarra. Roosters champion Boyd Cordner didn't think he could live with himself if he suffered another head knock, and so made the toughest decision of all – to call time on his career.

Melbourne star Cameron Munster is facing more scrutiny after being placed on report for appearing to kick Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. One-time Wests Tigers favourite Mitchell Moses twisted the knife into his old side once more, though he was one of four Eels cited in a 40 to 12 Sunday afternoon win.