Game 2 in the State of Origin series is arguably the most important match of the series for the NSW Blues and Queensland Maroons.

It's the game where everything is on the line equally for both states: seal the series, or hit back and force everything into a sudden-death Game 3 decider.

Momentum shifts, pressure peaks, and the biggest moments arrive.

Over the years, Game 2 has delivered chaos, comebacks and dynasty-breaking performances.

These are the five that stand above the rest.

2. Game 2, 2017 – QLD just get Rugby League

NSW went into halftime of Game 2 2017 leading 16–6, the opening try of the game coming from QLD's Valentine Holmes, before Jarryd Hayne, Brett Morris, and Mitchell Pearce responded for NSW.

But Queensland, as they so often do, showed the DNA that has made them so dominant. They relied on cohesion, structure, and support play to slowly drag themselves back into the contest.

Dane Gagai became the man to ignite it in the 52nd minute.

His first try came after Josh McGuire broke the line and Will Chambers provided the offload, with Gagai finishing through support play and sheer effort.

They stayed connected, patient, and constantly backed each other.

NSW still led 16–12 late, but Queensland's cohesion became the difference in the final four minutes.

It was the third tackle, Thurston went right out to Cronk, who offloaded to Smith, to Slater, who then went to Morgan, Blues were falling everywhere, unable to contain the QLD men who continued to show up for the men inside them.

Just like he did in the 52nd minute, Gagai wrapped back inside, Morgan came up with a flick pass, and Gagai went over for his seventh Origin try. Levelling the match 16 all.

But not for long, as Jonathan Thurston did what he does best, he converted from the sideline and took them to lead 18-16

With NSW's final attacking set, Maloney put up a high kick, but Queensland's support structure held firm once more. Gagai was again there to secure it, shutting down the final opportunity.

Queensland won 18–16, another example of cohesion under pressure turning a game they had no right to win.