The 2026 State of Origin series heats up with Game 2, as the New South Wales Blues and Queensland Maroons clash in a must-watch showdown. With momentum, team changes, and Origin pride on the line, this is shaping up as one of the biggest games of the year.
In this guide, we break down expert predictions and betting tips to help you find the best value ahead of kick-off.
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- NSW vs QLD → Read full preview: /state-of-origin-2026-game-2-blues-vs-maroons-preview
| Category | Matt Pritchard | Andrew Pelechaty | Brendan Wood | Chris Petrie | Jem Nash | Lachlan Jeffery | Matt Attard | Mathew Williams | Nathan Smith | Shannon Meyer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW vs QLD (Result) | NSW by 8 | QLD by 6 | QLD by 16 | QLD by 8 | QLD by 14 | NSW by 8 | QLD by 10 | NSW by 1 | QLD by 10 | |
| First Try Scorer | Mark Nawaqanitawase | Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow | Selwyn Cobbo | Selwyn Cobbo | Harry Grant | Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow | Brian To’o | Brian To’o | Mark Nawaqanitawase | |
| Man of the Match | Nathan Cleary | Cameron Munster | Harry Grant | Kalyn Ponga | Harry Grant | Nathan Cleary | Kalyn Ponga | Nathan Cleary | Sam Walker |
Origin Snapshot
- Biggest predicted margin: Brendan Wood — Queensland by 16
- Queensland lean: 6 of 9 tipsters are backing the Maroons.
- NSW backers: Matt Pritchard, Matt Attard and Nathan Smith.
- Most popular first try scorers: Mark Nawaqanitawase (2), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (2), Selwyn Cobbo (2), Brian To’o (2).
- Most backed Man of the Match: Nathan Cleary (3 selections).
- Second-most backed: Harry Grant (2) and Kalyn Ponga (2).
- Unique calls:
- Harry Grant first try scorer (Lachlan Jeffery)
- Cameron Munster Man of the Match (Andrew Pelechaty)
- Sam Walker Man of the Match (Shannon Meyer)
- Closest predicted margin: Nathan Smith — NSW by 1.
