State of Origin II: What to expect

Cooper Cronk was a standout in Queensland's win over New South Wales. Photo / Getty

Herald league writer David Skipwith examines three key facets of tonight's second State of Origin clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

1. Bring back the biff?

Paul Gallen's return has already given the Blues a tremendous boost and his comments yesterday, regarding Queensland's penchant for grubby tactics, has set the scene for an explosive encounter.

NSW have been stewing for the past three weeks about the niggling physicality of the Maroons in game one and have promised to fight fire with fire at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

While Gallen insisted he and the Blues were not interested in playing dirty or fighting, when push comes to shove, in the heat of the moment in front of 90,000 fans, don't be surprised if emotions boil over at some stage.

It's doubtful we'll see another all-in-brawl like the one from game two of the 1995 series - also at the MCG - but one or two players might deem a yellow card worthy of throwing a couple of uppercuts. We can only hope.

2. Cronk's omission puts pressure on DCE

Not having Cooper Cronk in the No7 jersey will be a big blow for the Maroons.

The Melbourne Storm halfback has well established and intuitive combinations with his club and Queensland teammates, captain and hooker Cameron Smith and fullback Billy Slater, which allow them to play together almost instinctively.

Cronk's replacement, Daly Cherry-Evans, is a brilliant player capable of busting the game open, but there are questions over his ability to remain focused and control play as effectively as the calm and composed Cronk. Five-eighth Johnathan Thurston may take more of a leading hand in steering the Maroons around the park, which in turn, could potentially lessen his impact on attack.

There is immense pressure on the DCE, with even Queensland supporters booing him following his Gold Coast Titans back-flip and decision to remain at Manly.

The Blues won last year's Origin series while Cronk was out of action with a broken arm and his omission will give them added confidence that they can level the series at 1-all tonight.

3. Last chance saloon for Pearce and Hodkinson

The much maligned Blues' halves know they need to redeem themselves and show they have what it takes to get NSW over the line.

Neither player is as bad as some critics make out but both have plenty to prove after failing to take charge when a field goal was on offer in the dying stages of game one at ANZ Stadium.

Hodkinson in particular looks to be down on confidence at both state and NRL level, but clinched the series for the Blues' last year when he darted over to score the only try in game two.

Pearce kicked well in the first half of game one and needs to build on that effort and increase his involvement with the ball in hand to create opportunities for the likes of the Morris twins, Josh Dugan and Michael Jennings.

If Pearce of Hodkinson fails to take charge, it's doubtful either will be seen in a blue jersey again.