State Of Origin Game 2 Tips, Predictions and Bet Builder

With an opportunity to wrap up the three-match State of Origin series on Wednesday morning, New South Wales will be going all out to finish the job when they take on old rivals Queensland at Optus Stadium in Perth.

The Blues put down a marker in the Maroons’ backyard in Game 1, winning 18-6 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

With their nemesis on the ropes, NSW head coach Laurie Daley and his side will look to finish the job this week in Western Australia and secure the State of Origin title before Game 3 in Sydney on 9th July.

State Of Origin Game 2 Summary

Market	Tip	Odds
Match Result	New South Wales	11/25
Best Bet	New South Wales -7.5 handicap	91/100
Bet Builder	Zac Lomax first tryscorer & under 40.5 total points	11/1

Key Match Stats

• After winning Game 1, NSW have gone on to win the series seven times

• The Blues have a 2-0 record when it comes to games against Queensland at Optus Stadium, Perth

• Queensland are looking to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat against NSW

• Cameron Smith holds the record for most Origin games with 42 appearances for the Maroons

• Queensland winger Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has scored nine tries in eight Origin games

State Of Origin Game 2 Prediction

Best Bet: New South Wales -7.5 handicap @ 21/20

After putting down that significant marker in Game 1 in Brisbane, it really looks like the power shift between New South Wales and their rivals has set in.

The Blues are going in search of a fourth consecutive win over the Maroons for the first time since the 1996/97 campaign and NSW look like they can get it in Perth this week.

Optus Stadium has not been a happy hunting ground for Queensland, who have lost on both their previous two visits.

Expect the Blues to not only secure the series-clinching victory but cover the -7.5 handicap on offer here.

Alex Jack explains:

The Blues have the Maroons on the ropes and can deliver the knockout blow in Perth this week. Momentum and consistency in selection is with NSW who can enjoy another positive result in Western Australia.

State Of Origin Game 2 Bet Builder Tip

• Zac Lomax first tryscorer

• Under 40.5 total points

  Pays 11/1

This Bet Builder is built on the premise that this will be another cagey affair between these great rivals in neutral territory.

The last two games between these sides have ended 14-4 and 18-6, so there would be little surprise in seeing under 40.5 total points scored on Wednesday morning.

Meanwhile, Zac Lomax is an attractive option in the first tryscorer market, with the Parramatta Eels winger in excellent form.

Bagging the opening two tries in Game 1, Lomax is writing himself into Origin folklore and the 25-year-old is good value to go over for the opening try again in Perth.

Learn more about how Bet Builders work in our Bet Builder guide.

Alex Jack adds:

This lad Lomax seems to relish these big games and he can add to his growing Origin try collection at Optus Stadium this week. His try could well prove crucial in what should be another low-scoring encounter between these bitter rivals.

Read more rugby league betting tips and predictions on site

Tactics, Form and Team News

The decision by Maroons head coach Billy Slater to drop skipper Daly Cherry-Evans has come as a shock, with Tom Dearden selected in his place in the half-backs.

Slater has put his neck on the line by going for the less experienced Dearden but clearly he hopes the North Queensland Cowboys star can give the Maroons more threat with ball in hand.

Queensland starting lineup: Kalyn Ponga; Xavier Coates, Robert Toia, Valentine Holmes, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow; Cameron Munster (c), Tom Dearden; Moeaki Fotuaika, Harry Grant, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Reuben Cotter, Kurt Capewell, Trent Loiero

Given they won the opening game in Brisbane, it’s understandable that NSW go with a more settled side for Game 2.

Jarome Luai comes in for the injured Mitch Moses but he and Nathan Cleary know each other’s game inside out and their pairing in the halves should give the Blues the platform to threaten this Queensland defence.

New South Wales starting lineup: Dylan Edwards; Brian To'o, Stephen Crichton, Latrell Mitchell, Zac Lomax; Jarome Luai, Nathan Cleary; Max King, Reece Robson, Payne Haas, Liam Martin, Angus Crichton, Isaah Yeo

View the full market and more odds for State Of Origin Game 2 on site. 

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.