NSW Blues' coach, Chris Walker-Bush, has made some big changes to the squad which was upset at Suncorp-Metway Stadium in the opening game of the 2003 State of Origin series. A lot of big names including Trent Barret, John Hopoate, and Danny Buderus have been dropped from the side- whilst in form players from Adelaide and Carnarvon have been rewarded for their side's recent good form.

FULLBACK
North Sydney's Matthew Burke narrowly edged out Hawkesbury's latest signing, Brett Hodgson. He was one of NSW's best in the opening game, and will be an important part of the NSW attack in this crucial fixture.

WINGERS
Both starting wingers have been dumped completey after being outplayed throughout game one by their faster opponents. Wellington's Timana Tahu will make a surprise return for the Blues, as his attacking flare was sorely missed in game one. Adelaide utility, Matt Geyer, has been rewarded for his side's recent good form with a selection on the wing.

CENTRES
Two more new faces have been rushed in, with unlucky centre Matthew Gidley finally getting his callup. North Sydney superboot, Michael DeVere, also enters the side after scoring a double in his sides emphatic win over the Central Phoenix. Both centres are attacking stars, and DeVere's defence will undoubtedly unnerve the pacy QLD backs.

FIVE EIGHTH
Central Coast's Braith Anasta receives his first sky blue jersey after a starring role in Central Coast's recent successes. Although he is a lot less talented overall than Fittler, his youth and determination will be needed to counter the flare of Lockyer.

HALFBACK
Captain, Andrew Johns, keeps hold of his jersey despite some intense pressure from Central's George Gregan, and Carnarvon's Brad Drew. His kicking game is second to none, and his recent form has been superb.

PROPS
Sydney's Jason Ryles, professed by coach Bossert as 'the form ASRL prop' has been given a chance to prove it after a quiet first game. Try-scoring prop, Josh Perry, retains his place after a promising Origin One debut.

HOOKER
Craig Wing returns, this time in hooker, after his unsuccesful stint at five eighth. Wing has only recently joined Parramatta, so has a lot less distance to cover than he usually does. Will, undoubtedly, slot in all over the park.

SECOND ROWERS
Ben Kennedy retains his spot courtesy of Sydney's big win over Penrith, in which he played hooker. Carnarvon's Ian Hindmarsh gets a much deserved callup after playing a key role in Carnarvon's recent good defensive form. He will be needed to counter the likes of Tallis.

LOCK
Brad Fittler plays lock for the second time this series, but hopefully he's more accustomed to the role. He was one of NSW's best in game one, and look for him to shift into five eighth and pick up his lethal combination with Johns.

THE BENCH
Out of favour centre, Shaun Timmins, finds himself on the bench as a possible utility should injuries strike anywhere in the forward pack or backline. Luke Bailey, relegated to the bench, will hopefully be a strike player for the Blues. Adelaide's Matt Parsons also earns a much deserved callup, and will be brought in to adminster some punishment to the big Maroons forwards. Brisbane's Preston Campbell is a surprise selection in jersey #17, but is expected to come on and terrorise QLD when their pack gets tired and slow in marker.

1: Matthew Burke (North Sydney)
2: Timana Tahu (Wellington)
3: Michael DeVere (North Sydney)
4: Matthew Gidley (Gold Coast)
5: Matt Geyer (Adelaide)
6: Braith Anasta (Central Coast)
7: Andrew Johns (Gold Coast) ©
8: Jason Ryles (Sydney)
9: Craig Wing (Parramatta)
10: Josh Perry (Gold Coast)
11: Ben Kennedy (Sydney)
12: Ian Hindmarsh (Carnarvon)
13: Brad Fittler (Central)

14: Shaun Timmins (Wollongong)
15: Luke Bailey (Parramatta)
16: Matt Parsons (Adelaide)
17: Preston Campbell (Brisbane)