Collins Named Player of the Match

Maroons forward Lindsay Collins has taken out the Player of the Match from Origin Game Two after an inspired performance to help guide the Maroons to an unassailable 2-0 Origin series lead.

Dropping back to the bench for his eighth Origin appearance, Collins played 42 minutes for Queensland – racking up 135 metres from his 14 runs, 51 of which came post-contact in a strong effort from the Roosters big man.

Collins also added a tackle break and 30 tackles to his name.

"This one's for you, Queensland," Collins said on-field after the game.

"Just to be back at home here with the crowd supporting us is special.

"This is what dreams are made of. You [think] being in the backyard, growing up as a little kid imagining this moment, so for it to be a reality now is very, very special.

"I think there's going to be a few sickies tomorrow," he added with a laugh. 

Coach Billy Slater was full of praise for the forward after the game, mentioning his effort areas right across the paddock on Wednesday night.

"If you watch Lindsay Collins play, he's got great habits in his game. He puts himself in a position to make a lot of players and he thoroughly deserves that medal around his neck," Slater enthused. "We've got a middle unit that I'm blown away by.

"Lindsay Collins leads the way, and those sort of players are the heart and soul of the team."