Man of the match betting for 2016 State of Origin Game 1

Wednesday, June 1 from 8:15pm at ANZ Stadium, Sydney. Watch live on channel 9.

WE are close to the mid-way point of the NRL season, which means one thing – we can forget about the domestic competition and focus on what really matters – State of Origin.

Queensland has experienced an incredible dominance over New South Wales since 2006, losing just one series in the last decade.

The Maroons are entering a new era after losing long-time coach Mal Meninga, who has taken over the national team.

Former Storm assistant coach and Queensland great, Kevin Walters, has taken over as the coach of the reigning Origin champions.

Origin Game 1 is being played at ANZ Stadium in Sydney and punters cannot split the sides, placing them both at $1.91.

Instead of a typical match preview, we have decided to take a different tact and focus on the individual and exotic markets heading into game 1.

All odds are provided by Sportsbet.com.au

Josh Dugan man of the match betting

Canberra product Josh Dugan is our best Blues option at odds for the man of the match award in game one.

The brilliant ball-runner has been rejuvenated in recent years after a career that threatened to be derailed due to off-field indiscretions.

Dugan has made a commitment to his football and it has shown on the field.

The 26-year-old was nominated last season as the best league representative player despite losing at both the state and international level, and we believe the $23.00 on offer for the former Raider to be named man of the match in Origin one are too hard to ignore.

Josh Dugan to be named man of the match: $23 @ Sportsbet.com.au

Johnathan Thurston man of the match betting

Did you expect to see anyone here other than arguably the game’s greatest player?

Johnathan Thurston has been in scintillating form in 2016; leading the league in try assists and goals; which places him as the $5.50 second favourite for the Dally M medal at Sportsbet.com.au.

While his Cowboys’ form has been sparkling, representative football is perpetually where JT does his best work.

Thurston has scored the most points in Origin history and sits second on the all-time list for man of the match awards.

We are backing Johnathan Thurston to transition his dynamic domestic form into the Origin arena and put his name right in contention for the man of the match award on Wednesday night.

Johnathan Thurston to be named man of the match: $8 @ Sportsbet.com.au

First try scorer markets

New South Wales

Blake Ferguson

We believe livewire Rooster Blake Ferguson is the Blue who is most likely to cross the try line first on Wednesday night.

The 26-year-old former Raider is returning to the New South Wales side for the first time since his unceremonious dumping from the league back in 2013 after a number of off-field issues.

Ferguson has put in enormous effort to rehabilitate his image upon his return to the NRL, which culminated in scoring a try on debut against New Zealand for the Kangaroos in the ANZAC test.

The Rooster centre is one of the most talented players in the league and if he is on early the Blues could be on their way to a game one victory against the old enemy.

Blake Ferguson first try scorer odds: $10.00

Blake Ferguson to score the first try for New South Wales: $5.50

Blake Ferguson anytime try scorer odds: $2.40

Queensland

Corey Oates

From the moment young Brisbane Bronco gun Corey Oates was named as part of the Queensland squad, we knew where our first try scorer money was going to go.

Despite having never previously represented his state before, the 21-year-old winger has taken the majority of the first try scorer money at Sportsbet.com.au.

The Biloela product is third for the entire league in tries scored in 2016, which includes a hattrick against the hapless Knights a month ago.

Corey Oates is at $31.00 to score three or more tries in State of Origin game one.

Scoring the first try on debut would be a dream come true for Oates and we are backing the youngster to put his name on the board first for the Maroons.

Corey Oates first try scorer odds: $9.00

Corey Oates to score the first try for Queensland: $4.50

Corey Oates anytime try scorer odds: $2.10

State of Origin Game One promotions:

Looking to place a bet on Origin game one? Sportsbet have two massive specials for their customers.

Feel like taking our advice and placing some cash on our first try scorer selections? Make sure you invest your money at Sportsbet.

If you place up to $50 on any player in the first try scorer market and they fail to score the first but they cross the line at any time you will get your wager back.

Place a head-to-head bet on game one and if your team losses by eight points or less you get your cash back – up to $50.

Think we have identified two guys in the man of the match market who can get the nod in game one? Then why not place a bet over at Luxbet?

If your player does not win the man of the match award but scores a try you will get your stake back in the form of bonus bets up to $50.