How to watch State of Origin Game 2: NRL 2026 FREE streams, TV channels for NSW vs QLD

NSW's James Tedesco scores a try during Game 1 of the 2026 State of Origin series
(Image credit: Darrian Traynor via Getty Images)

State of Origin Game 2 sees Queensland attempt to correct course, after spectacularly shooting themselves in the foot in last month's series opener. The Maroons were 20-6 up and cruising when Kalyn Ponga saw red in the 58th minute for a horrible collision with Tolutau Koula.

Queensland didn't score another point, whereas New South Wales reeled off three tries in 16 minutes to win 22-20, a magnificent James Tedesco effort completing the turnaround in the final minute.

If Game 2 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground follows the pattern of the first half rather than the second, we should be in line for a decider in Brisbane next month.

Laurie Daley, however, has brought code-hopping specimen Mark Nawaqanitawase into the NSW fold for Wednesday's potentially decisive showdown, in place of the injured Casey McLean. Nawaqanitawase, who's represented both the Wallabies and Kangaroos, has taken no time to establish himself as one of the NRL's top stars. The 25-year-old will return to rugby union next year.

Mitchell Moses has also slotted straight back into the starting lineup on his first appearance since suffering the hamstring injury that ruled him out of Game 1. He replaces Ethan Strange, who was arguably their star man on the day.

Billy Slater has handed Reece Walsh a route back into the picture, after overlooking him completely three weeks ago. The Brisbane Broncos star has been out of form of late, but on his day there are few better. Ponga starts for Queensland again despite his indiscretion.

Here's how to watch State of Origin Game 2 from anywhere in the world.

Can you watch State of Origin Game 2 for free?

Yes. State of Origin Game 2 is being shown on free-to-air Channel 9 and 9Now in Australia.

Traveling abroad right now? You can use a VPN to watch NSW vs QLD for free as if you were right at home.

Use a VPN to watch State of Origin Game 2 live streams

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Get NordVPN and stream State of Origin Game 2 from anywhere.

How to watch State of Origin Game 2 live streams in the USA

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NRL fans in the US can watch State of Origin Game 2 on either FS2 or Fox One.

Fox One, which is also live streaming every game of the 2026 World Cup, costs $19.99/month after a 3-day FREE trial, though for a limited time you can get three months for the price of two.

FS2 is also available through Sling, specifically the Blue plan, which starts at $45.99/month.

The channel is carried by several other OTT streaming platforms too, including YouTube TV and Fubo, which each offer new customers a free trial.

Outside of the US? Use a VPN whilst you're traveling away from home to unlock your stream.

How to watch State of Origin Game 2 live streams in the UK

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State of Origin Game 2 is being shown on Sky Sports in the UK, via the Sky Sports Action channel.

Sky Sports plans start from £35/month or £20 if you're an existing Sky subscriber. Alternatively, grab a Now Sports subscription from £14.99/day or £34.99/month.

Outside the UK right now? Use NordVPN to access your preferred coverage of NSW vs QLD.

Can I watch State of Origin Game 2 in Canada?

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State of Origin 2 coverage goes out on Sportsnet in Canada.

That means you can also watch online thanks to its Sportsnet+ streaming service (from $29.99 a month / $249.99 a year). And the Watch NRL platform will show the fixture.

If you already subscribe to these services but find yourself outside Canada, download a VPN and watch NSW vs QLD as if you were back at home.

How to watch State of Origin Game 2 live streams in Australia

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(Image credit: free)

In Australia, State of Origin Game 2 is free-to-air on Channel 9 and via the 9Now streaming service.

All you need is an account. Sign up here!

If you're out of Australia but still want to tune in, explore the VPN route set out above, which will help you access your accounts from anywhere.

What is the State of Origin Game 2 start time?

State of Origin Game 2 kicks off at 8.05pm AEST / 11.05am BST / 6.05am ET / 3.05am PT on Wednesday, June 17.

What are the State of Origin Game 2 teams?

New South Wales team: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Brian To'o, 3. Tolutau Koula, 4. Kotoni Staggs, 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase, 6. Mitchell Moses, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Payne Haas, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Mitchell Barnett, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Dylan Lucas, 13. Isaah Yeo

Bench: 14. Cameron Murray, 15. Victor Radley, 16. Addin Fonua-Blake, 17. Apisai Koroisau, 18. Ethan Strange, 19. Jack Bostock

Reserve: 20. Haumole Olakau'atu

Queensland team: 1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Selwyn Cobbo, 3. Robert Toia, 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 5. Jojo Fifita, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Sam Walker, 8. Thomas Flegler, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Kurt Capewell, 13. Reuben Cotter

Bench: 14. Max Plath, 15. Lindsay Collins, 16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, 17. Trent Loiero, 18. Reece Walsh, 19. Murray Taulagi

Reserve: 20. Heilum Luki

What is the NSW vs QLD head-to-head?

Queensland have won 25 State of Origin series, and New South Wales 17. Two series have ended all-square.

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Aatif Sulleyman

Aatif is a freelance copywriter and journalist based in the UK. He’s written about technology, science and politics for publications including Gizmodo, The Independent, Trusted Reviews and Newsweek, but focuses on streaming at Future, an arrangement that combines two of his greatest passions: sport and penny-pinching.

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