One of the biggest sporting events is here, and our feature sporting seer Tipstradamus offers up his quickfire State of Origin 2 predictions.
Our great annual tipster Tipstradamus is usually kept in a cryogenic chamber throughout the year, let out once a year to provide his best 50/10/200 selections for the sporting year ahead.
But if we can’t wake him up for some State of Origin predictions, then when can we.
He provided a few for Game 1 of the State of Origin series, and got a few correct, so why not have another go.
So here for the reading pleasure of the few who stumble across the website every few days is our quickfire State of Origin 2 predictions.
Tipstradamus Quickfire 2019 State of Origin 2 Predictions
MAN OF THE MATCH
Cameron Munster was very good in State of Origin Game 1, and was in season best form last weekend against an in-form Newcastle. A player who looks like he belongs in Origin like no other.
FIRST TRY SCORER
We picked Corey Oates last time out, and he did score Queensland’s first try, but not the game’s first sadly. This time we’re plumping for James Tedesco to cross the line first.
GAME CHANGERS IN SQUADS FROM ORIGIN 1
Tom Trbojevic and Wade Graham look the standout new inclusions to make an impact for the Blues. oth players would no doubt have been included in the first game if not injured, so it is no surprise they have been brought into the squad as quickly as their injury would allow. Blake Ferguson too could do anything, good or bad. Even Tariq Sims has the potential to fire things up, like he does from time to time for the Dragons.
As for Queensland, their two new players Tim Glasby and Jarrod Wallace are hardly the most inspiring. Both are solid midfield plodders rather than game breakers.
Looking across the bench, NSW have a real advantage in this area.
POTENTIAL UNDERWHELMING PLAYERS OF THE MATCH
Moses Mbye in particular seems an ambitious selection, and after limited time in game 1, his re-selection doesn’t make any more sense. Especially when you compare the Queensland bench to the Blues back-up four. It’s not Mbye’s fault, just that for all of his versatility in the backline, he is basically an Insurance policy for just in case, rather than an impact player who could change a game.
Blake Ferguson is a great selection for a neutral, as he brings plenty to every game, mostly good but some bad. So if there is the potential for one player to take the game apart or have an absolute shocker, it is the Eels winger.
THE MOST LIKELY TO PUNCH ON
Punching is not allowed anymore in rugby league, but like serial drink drivers, the warning of punishment doesn’t necessarily stop them.
And we wonder if they will put on a show for the Perth crowd.
If anything does happen, we predict Tariq Sims could be involved and Dylan Napa could be his sparring partner.
BEST POSITION BATTLE
We said that the fullback would be the best head to head in our Game 1 Predictions, and that wasn’t too far off, with both players doing the job for their states.
So instead of being boring and picking the same thing, we’ll go for 5/8 as the battle that matters.
With the return of James Maloney, and our prediction of Munster as best on ground, how could we look past five eighth as the best position battle.
OVERBLOWN STORY ON NEWS THE NEXT DAY
Either talk of a new dynasty for Queensland after one Origin series win on a row.
Or State of Origin is due a refereeing controversy.
Or talk of a Perth NRL side on the back of the Origin success.
Did NSW miss Latrell Mitchell
MOST OVERUSED CHANNEL NEIN PHRASES
Most of what they all say.
THE ONE DEAD CERTAINTY
That very few will enjoy Channel Nein’s coverage. We have a guide on surviving your night with Channel Nein. And our Channel Nein Power Rankings from Game 1.
THE FINAL SCORE
NSW 24 Queensland 22
BEST ACTUAL BETTING OPTIONS
SAME GAME MULTI – when one bet isn’t enough. Bet early – bet often.
Our tip – QLD to win, Tedesco and Oates to score anytime, over 33.5 total points, margin less than 10pts for either side @ $28
LAST TRYSCORER – first tryscorer may be the popular bet, but smart money should go on last tryscorer, because that bet is live all game. Once someone scores 1st tryscorer is out, unlike last. And the last tryscoring duties are usually more evenly handed out.
Our tip – Felise Kaufusi
MAN OF THE MATCH – always the best value as the odds start at $7 and are usually only given to a handful of players.
Our tip – Cameron Munster as above @ $8.00
TO SCORE FIRST, LEAD AT HT AND LOSE – what a combination, and one probably made with NSW in mind given Queensland’s late heroics over the years.
Our tip – NSW @ $12.
TIME OF LAST TRY – if the end of the game isn’t exciting enough, then select an option for this betting option. Either before of after the 74th minute, or no tries at all.
Our tip – After 74:59 @ $2.50
Plenty more at Sportsbet
