Can YOU spot the State of Origin stars who refused to unite with teammates during the national anthem in concerning sign for fans
New South Wales must make a huge team effort to keep their homeland hopes alive at the MCG.
But eagle-eyed fans spotted a moment during the national anthem that caused concern ahead of the big second game.
As the camera panned past the line-ups of Queensland and Blues stars, the Maroons joined arm in arm as the national anthem was sung by Sheridan Adams.
However, two Blues stars – Jarome Luai and Liam Martin – kept their hands at their sides, rather than taking the usual position.
Martin allayed those concerns by getting the Blues off to a flying start after scoring following sustained pressure from New South Wales early in the match.
The Panthers star showed no sign of lacking passion for his state team as he enthusiastically kicked the ball into the MCG crowd after giving his side the lead.
From then on it was a one-sided attack, with the Blues securing a 34-0 half-time lead.
That figure represented the largest points margin between the two teams at half-time in Origin history.
More to follow.
Two NSW Blues players opted not to join in the anthem arm-in-arm
It was a worrying sign for fans as the Blues looked to overturn their deficit in the series