Paul Gallen returns to the Origin arena for the first time in 2015 for what will be his 20th appearance in Blues colours.
Wednesday’s Game II will be just the second time that Gallen has played for the Blues in Melbourne, having last done so on his Origin debut in 2006.
The NSW Captain fronts what will be a difficult assignment for the side that went down 11 points to 10 in Game I, and he will be out to make amends in front of what promises to be a strong MCG crowd.
While Gallen’s focus will be on squaring the series ledger, he will without a doubt be looking to outplay his opposite number in Broncos forward, Corey Parker.
Gallen and Parker are both renowned for getting through a mountain of work for their respective clubs, and expect will no variation from the norm when they don their State’s colours come Wednesday evening.
As is most often the case in tough, tight Origin fixtures, the game is decided in the middle third of the field. With the Origin shield on the line in Game II, a fierce, hard-fought encounter is on the cards once more.
Gallen and his fellow Blues forwards will be out to gain an ascendency in the centre of the park, but they won’t be handed any favours by the relentless Maroons pack – not least Parker.
When the game is on the line come Wednesday, be assured that both Gallen and Parker will be doing all they can to get their side home.
Both men are very capable of making the game their own, with the pair having claimed Man of the Match honours throughout their Origin careers.
NRL Club statistics (2015)
| Key Match-Up | Paul Gallen | Corey Parker |
| Avg. Metres | 203 | 118 |
| Avg. Tackles | 30.7 | 30 |
| Offloads | 19 | 21 |
