The 2022 State of Origin Series heads to Perth on Sunday, June 26th and Queensland take a handy 1-0 lead into Game 2.
The Maroons started outsiders in State of Origin betting in Game 1, but returned a typically spirited and tough performance to sneak home 16-10 victors and ultimately heap all the pressure on the Blues.
Can Freddie’s bulk changes lead to a change in fortune for New South Wales, or will Queensland simply prove far too professional again? Check out my complete State of Origin Game 2 Tips below.
New South Wales
The scene was set for the Blues to come out and dominate at home in Game 1, but a misfiring forward pack, plenty of mistakes and a lack of cohesion meant that they were unable to get the job done.
Several of the gambles that coach Brad Fittler made with his selections and plan in Game 1 simply did not work.
In response to that he has made enormous changes to his squad, as the Blues attempt to keep the 2022 State of Origin Series alive.
Jack Wighton’s COVID diagnosis and Kotoni Staggs’ omission means that the Blues will field a new-look centre pairing of Stephen Crichton and Matt Burton, while several changes have been made to the forward pack that all but failed to have an impact in Game 1.
Apisai Koroisau comes back into the squad and has been named starting hooker, relegating stalwart Damien Cook to the bench.
Notably, Sharks centre Siosifa Talakai has been named to make his debut on the bench, meaning that Nicho Hynes still hasn’t made the cut, and keeps his 18th-man jersey.
Vast improvement is required, but there is no denying New South Wales’ depth of talent and their best would certainly be good enough to force a Series decider.
New South Wales Blues Origin 2:
- James Tedesco ©
- Brian To’o
- Matt Burton
- Stephen Chrichton
- Daniel Tupou
- Jarome Luai
- Nathan Cleary
- Payne Haas
- Apisai Koroisau
- Jake Trbojevic
- Cameron Murray
- Liam Martin
- Isaah Yeo
- Damien Cook
- Angus Chrichton
- Junior Paulo
- Siosifa Talakai
Queensland
There is virtually no pressure on the Maroons ahead of Game 2.
They take a 1-0 lead into this match, will start outsiders in betting and will have the chance to close out the series at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, should they not be successful on Sunday.
Billy Slater has been forced to make just two changes to his winning side for Game 2; Cowboys flyer Murray Taulagi comes into the side for the injured Xavier Coates, while Jai Arrow also returned to the squad in place of Reuben Cotter, who suffered an unfortunate hamstring tear during his warmup in Round 15.
Queensland’s ‘pick and stick’ mentality has almost always paid dividends and they look well placed to return another competitive performance but will certainly need to be at their best again to close out the 2022 State of Origin Series in Perth.
Queensland Maroons Origin 2:
- Kalyn Ponga
- Selwin Cobbo
- Valentine Holmes
- Dane Gagai
- Murray Taulagi
- Cameron Munster
- Daly Cherry-Evans ©
- Lindsay Collins
- Ben Hunt
- Josh Papalii
- Kurt Capewell
- Felise Kaufusi
- Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
- Harry Grant
- Jai Arrow
- Patrick Carrigan
- Jeremiah Nanai
State of Origin Betting
Despite failing to get the job done in Sydney in Game 1, the Blues have opened warm $1.78 favourites in State of Origin Game 2 betting, while there is great value on offer again for the Maroons again at $2.05.
Early Payout is available on State of Origin Game 2 at Neds – simply back either state to win head-to-head and if you selection leads by 6 points or more at half time, you’ll be paid out early.
First Try Scorer betting has already proven to be a popular target for Origin punters and there is excellent value to be found in betting again.
Jack Wighton saluted at odds of $16 in Game 1 and there has been a push for the likes of Brian To’o ($10) for the Blues and Selwyn Cobbo ($11.50) for the Maroons ahead of Game 2.
Cameron Munster was named Man of the Match in Game 1, paying out at odds of $10.
The classy Storm player has received interest on the second line of Man of the Match betting at odds of $7, but he does trail the New South Wales pairing of James Tedesco ($6) and Nathan Cleary ($6) in Game 2 betting.
State of Origin Tips
Similar to what I did in Game 1, I am going to provide a set of tips for New South Wales fans, and a set for Queensland fans! Given its patriotic punting nature, there’s value to be found for fans on both dies of the market. Our Queensland tips heralded two winners from three selections in Game 1, including Cameron Munster to win Man of the Match at $10!
New South Wales Tips
- Back New South Wales to Cover the Line (-1.5) @ $1.90
- Back Brian To’o to score the 1st Try @ $10
- Back James Tedesco to be named Man of the Match @ $6
Queensland Tips
- Back Queensland to Win @ $2.05
- Back Selwyn Cobbo to score the 1st Try @ $11.50
- Back Daly Cherry-Evans to be named Man of the Match @ $10