After NSW’s commanding 18–6 victory in Game 1, the Blues are poised to seal the series with a win in Perth. But Queensland have hit back hard: coach Billy Slater has dropped skipper Daly Cherry‑Evans—a first since 1996—bringing in Tom Dearden and bolstering the pack with fresh forwards including Kurt Mann. Meanwhile, NSW have been forced into reshuffles too, sidelining Mitchell Moses (calf) and drafting in Jarome Luai.
Below are the teams tips for Game #2
Tom (our founder)
Half-expecting QLD to do their thing and really fire up for this one, but I think NSW should be too good and will have prepared well. Nathan Cleary will have a huge one and you can get good odds to pull off a double.
Man of the Match: Nathan Cleary
Win: NSW
Tryscorers: Nathan Cleary - To score a double
Tom (again)
Sorry, I want one for QLD as well. So if QLD are to win, it has to be Munster with his first captaincy. He's one of the most experienced origin players on the field, and lives for these sort of games with a lot of a negative press and buildup. It'll be tight, and I think Clearly will still cross the line from the losing side.
Man of the Match: Cameron Munster
Win: QLD
Tryscorers: Nathan Cleary - Anytime
Tops (our 'AFL' guy)
A lot of negative noise around Queensland who love their back up against a wall because it gives them something to push off. Harry Grant to prove the haters wrong with his best game in the maroon jersey.
Man of the Match: Harry Grant
Line: QLD +6.5 Points
Tryscorers: Xavier Coates - 1st, 2nd or 3rd
Newstead (our 'non-gambler')
Expecting Queensland to make more of a contest for this one so have given them the a 6.5 start. Nanai seemed the most likely for QLD in game one and Lomax just seems unstoppable in a blues jersey .
Man of the Match: Cameron Munster
Line: QLD +6.5 Points
Tryscorers: Lomax & Nanai
Welshy (our looker)
KP will be crucial if Queensland are to pull off a legendary win against the odds! He’s a genuine game breaker and crashes over late to seal a famous Maroons victory and snatch Man of the Match. QUEENSLANDER!
Man of the Match: Kalyn Ponga
Winner: QLD
Tryscorers: Kalyn Ponga - Anytime
Chris (our data nerd)
All signs point to Payne Haas putting up another monster shift — even crazier, I'm tipping him again for Man of the Match. He’s the heart of the Blues engine room, and the numbers love him. Expect NSW to cover.
Man of the Match: Payne Haas (again? crazy.. i know)
Line: NSW -6.5
Tryscorers: Xavier Coates - Anytime
Cal (our super-computer)
Here's hoping QLD learn from origin one and take full advantage of the 12cm height difference between Coates and To'o in game two. I'm hoping for an aerial attack early that proves crucial to a QLD victory. You can throw any additional try scorer you like in for big value, but I thought Connor Watson looked good off the bench in game 1 and came close to crossing at the death, a great support player who can convert any half break into 4 points.
Man of the Match: Cameron Munster
Line: QLD
Tryscorers: Connor Watson + Xavier Coats - Anytime