Exotics, specials & free betting tips for State of Origin Game 2

YOU would be hard-pressed to find any punter that doesn’t love betting on State of Origin and this Wednesday the Queensland Maroons and New South Wales Blues go at it again in Game 2.

The series opener was a closely-fought battle with Queensland edging out the win. The Blues will be hoping for revenge, but winning at Suncorp Stadium isn’t something they have come accustomed to. The Maroons are the head-to-head favourites at $1.53 and most punters are expecting them to win.

We have found the best value in the State of Origin exotic markets. The Man of the Match market at Sportsbet.com.au will add some more excitement for the entire 80-minute game and there are some other cracking exotic markets available.

Take a first try-scorer bet with Crownbet and it will give you a bonus bet if your selection doesn’t score first, but scores during the game.

State of Origin Man of the Match tips

Johnathan Thurston – $6
Cameron Smith – $7.50
Cooper Cronk – $8.50
Darius Boyd – $10
Paul Gallen – $11
Corey Parker -$11
Adam Reynolds – $14
James Maloney – $17
Matt Gillett – $17
Matt Moylan – $19
Greg Inglis – $21
Robbie Farah – $21
Josh McGuire – $21
Matt Scott – $21
Aaron Woods – $26
Greg Bird – $34
Sam Thaiday – $41
Andrew Fafita – $41
Corey Oates – $51
Tyson Frizell – $51
James Tamou – $51
Michael Morgan – $51
Josh Papalii – $67
Justin O’Neill – $67
Aiden Guerra – $67
Josh Jackson – $67
David Klemmer – $67
Dane Gagai – $81
Dylan Walker – $81
Michael Jennings – $81
Jacob Lillyman – $81
Blake Ferguson – $101
Jack Bird – $101
Josh Mansour – $101

It’s no surprise that the bookmakers are favouring the Queensland side. The top four players in the market are all Maroons and it would take a brave punter to suggest one of their star players won’t take the Man of the Match honours.

Current favourite is Johnathan Thurston who is no stranger to winning the title and if the Maroons do get over the line, expect Thurston to have played a major part in the win. Melbourne Storm duo Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk are next in the betting and we are favouring Cooper Cronk who wasn’t at his best in game 1, but he was coming off an injury.

Blues workhorse Paul Gallen is the best-rated New South Wales player and punters are all but guaranteed a top effort. The only negative is that the Blues might need a touch of brilliance to win this game and Gallen doesn’t provide that. If you are looking for a Blues win, the better option is James Maloney at $17 with Sportsbet.

The Sharks play-maker was the Blues best player in game 1 and there isn’t any weaknesses to his game. If he puts constant pressure on the Maroons with his running and kicking game, Maloney might be the star player of the game.

Corey Parker could be playing his last meaningful origin game after he announced his retirement on Monday. Parker could have a big game for the Maroons and there has been plenty of sentimental support. Parker is into $11 at Sportsbet which is a touch short, but he deserves a big game in front of his adoring fans.

Maroons vs. Blues try-scoring exotics

Sportsbet is offering individual try-scoring markets for all NRL clubs represented in the game. If you fancy a Storm player to score during the game, then it has the market ready and waiting. This is a great bet type for punters which like to follow their local club.

Storm player to score a try:
Yes – $3.25
No – $1.33

We like the yes option here. Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk are more than capable of crossing the white stripe and as the defense tires late in the game, don’t be surprised to see Smith putting in a grubber to score close to the posts.

Broncos player to score a try:
Yes – $1.30 at Sportsbet
No – $3.50

We strongly suggest taking the shorts at $1.30. Having the likes of Darius Boyd, Matt Gillett, Corey Parker, Corey Oates and Sam Thaiday is luxury and we can’t see this game being played without one of those players scoring. It might be short odds, but it’s a nice multi-bet builder.

Cowboys player to score a try:
Yes – $1.87
No – $1.87

This is a harder option to decipher. Thurston is unlikely to score, but Michael Morgan has the goods and he looms as a major threat. It’s unlikely that James Tamou will score for the Blues, so taking the no option could be the way to go.

Player exotic markets and tips

Crownbet is also offering some great exotic bets. It has grouped four of the major points scorers together and punters have to decide which player will score the most.

Most points group:
Johnathan Thurston – $1.60
Adam Reynolds – $2.85
Corey Oates – $5.50
Michael Jennings – $9

This market is relatively simple. The goal kickers are expected to score the most points and they likely will. It would take a multiple try-scoring effort from Corey Oates and Michael Jennings for either of them to have a chance, and we’re all but ruling out Michael Jennings. He hasn’t been in good form and we can’t see him scoring much.

If Queensland are to win, and we think they will, Thurston should kick at least 6-8 points. That should be enough to take this out at $1.60 with Crownbet.com.au.

Most metres:
Darius Boyd – $4
Josh Mansour – $4.50
Dane Gagai – $4.75
Matt Moylan – $6
Corey Oates – $5.50

The fullbacks are a distinct advantage in this bet type. They are forced to bring the ball back from kicks which usually translates to plenty of metres. Both Darius Boyd and Josh Mansour are metre-eaters and Blues half James Maloney will be looking to turn the Maroons around all game, therefore take Darius Boyd at a value price of $4.

Most tries:
Matt Gillett – $5 at Crownbet.com.au
Sam Thaiday -$9.50
Tie – $1.26

It’s safe to say Sam Thaiday shouldn’t be scoring, so punters are effectively getting Matt Gillett at $5 to score a try. That’s much better than the $3.80 being offered for Gillett in the try-scoring markets so we strongly suggest taking him on this market at Crownbet.