Queensland has overwhelming support from our panel ahead of the 2026 State of Origin decider, with the Maroons tipped to reclaim the shield in front of a home crowd.
Eight of nine tipsters are backing Queensland to win Game 3, with only one expert tipping the Blues to pull off an upset. From predicted margins to first try scorers and man-of-the-match selections, here’s how our experts see the series decider unfolding.
Expert predictions for State of Origin Game 3 2026, including NSW vs QLD tips and best bets.
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- NSW vs QLD → Read full preview: /state-of-origin-2026-game-3-maroons-vs-blues-preview/
| Category | Matt Pritchard | Andrew Pelechaty | Brendan Wood | Jem Nash | Lachlan Jeffery | Matt Attard | Mathew Williams | Nathan Smith | Shannon Meyer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW vs QLD (Result) | QLD by 16 | QLD by 20 | QLD by 16 | QLD by 18 | QLD by 14 | QLD by 28 | QLD by 4 | NSW by 1 | QLD by 12 |
| First Try Scorer | Jojo Fifita | Robert Toia | Bradman Best | Selwyn Cobbo | Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow | Robert Toia | Selwyn Cobbo | Jack Bostock | Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow |
| Man of the Match | Cameron Munster | Cameron Munster | Harry Grant | Sam Walker | Reuben Cotter | Harry Grant | Harry Grant | Nathan Cleary | Harry Grant |
Origin Snapshot
- Biggest predicted margin: Matt Attard — Queensland by 28
- Strong Queensland lean: 8 of 9 tipsters are backing the Maroons to win the decider.
- NSW backer: Nathan Smith is the lone tipster backing the Blues.
- Most popular first try scorers: Robert Toia (2), Selwyn Cobbo (2) and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (2).
- Most backed Man of the Match: Harry Grant (4 selections).
- Second-most backed: Cameron Munster (2 selections).
Unique calls:
- Jojo Fifita first try scorer (Matt Pritchard)
- Bradman Best first try scorer (Brendan Wood)
- Jack Bostock first try scorer (Nathan Smith)
- Reuben Cotter man of the match (Lachlan Jeffery)
- Sam Walker man of the match (Jem Nash)
- Nathan Cleary man of the match (Nathan Smith)
Closest predicted margin: Nathan Smith — NSW by 1.
