RegisterLog in
  • Home
  • Rugby League
  • State of Origin
timer

This preview has expired.

See all our latest betting tips or suggested betting sites

2026 State of Origin Game 2 Man of the Match Tips - 3 Best on Ground selections

ryan-tucker
Ryan Tucker
Editor
Last updated: Fri 12 Jun 2026 10:59
Ahead of the 2026 State of Origin Game 2 between the NSW Blues and QLD Maroons, all eyes are on the potential Man of the Match. Our top tips spotlight Nathan Cleary, fresh off a dominant Game 1 performance, rising star Sam Walker who shone on his debut, and the ever-consistent Kurt Capewell. Recent history favors halves taking top honors, but both sides have standout candidates. Regardless of the winner, expect fierce competition and a remarkable showing from our three highlighted players.
Share
Ryan Tucker 12 Jun 2026
Share this article
Or copy link
Copy
  • Nathan Cleary, Sam Walker & Kurt Capewell tipped for Man of the Match in Game 2
  • Halves have won Man of the Match in the past 3 State of Origin games
  • Game 2 could see QLD Maroons level the series with a standout Maroons performer
Expired
sam walker origin
Sam Walker is one of three bets (Getty Images)

2026 State of Origin Game 32 Man of the Match Predictions


Who will be named man of the match in State of Origin Game 2 between NSW Blues vs QLD Maroons on June 17, 2026? Three top tips have been picked out.

Nathan Cleary put on a masterclass to bring the Blues home in Game 1, taking man of the match honours. The narrative here would be that QLD level up the series in Melbourne leading to a Maroons player grabbing the top on-field honours.

  • Since 2017, 9 forwards, 11 halves, 6 fullbacks and 2 centres have won the MOTM honours.
  • Nathan Cleary's previous two Origin MOM performances have been in a Game 2.
  • A half has won Man of the Match in 3 straight Origin matches.

You can also read the Origin Game 2 preview and tips and get NSW vs QLD tryscorer tips.

Sam Walker


The Roosters halfback had a fantastic Origin debut in Game 1 with 2 Try Assists, 1 Linebreak Assist, 1 Tackle Break, 18 Tackles as well as 462 Kick Metres. He also kicked 3/3 conversions as well as a penalty goal in one of the most well rounded debut performances of the last decade. Had QLD won, he would have been first in line for the medal.

Nathan Cleary


After years of talk saying that Nathan Cleary cannot perform at Origin level, the Penrith Panthers and Blues halfback put his detractors to bed with a standout performance to help lift his team to victory. Including his win in Game 1, halves have taken MOM honours on 11 occasions, by far the most of any group of positions. If NSW win the series on Wednesday, it will be because of him.

Kurt Capewell


Kurt Capewell is the definition of Origin. The New Zealand Warriors second rower gets about his work, doesn’t make a racket, pays with blood and rarely makes a mistake. He played 80 minutes in Game 1, had 14 runs for 107 metres, 38 of them post contact, 

Verdict

Our three value picks for the MOTM award in Origin 2.

Best Bet1: Sam Walker Man of the Match @10/1 at bet365 - 1 Unit
Best Bet2: Nathan Cleary Man of the Match @11/2 at dabble - 1 Unit
Best Bet3: Kurt Capewell Man of the Match @50/1 at Star Sports - 1 Unit
Sam Walker
Man of the Match
@10/1 - 1 Unit
Bet £10 Get £30
with bonus code NEWBONUS

Available to new customers only. Make a qualifying deposit of £5 or more and claim the offer within 30 days of registering your account to qualify for 300% of that amount in Bet Credits, up to a maximum of £30 in Bet Credits. Once released, your Bet Credits will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration required. Time limits and T&Cs apply. The bonus code NEWBONUS can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way. #ad

Bet at bet365
Nathan Cleary
Man of the Match
@11/2 - 1 Unit
Bet £10 Get £10
Promo Code: NEWBONUS

New customers only. Bet £10+ to receive £10 in Free Bets. 7-day free bet expiry. Stake not returned. Promotional Terms Apply. 18+. GambleAware.org

Bet at dabble
Kurt Capewell
Man of the Match
@50/1 - 1 Unit
Bet £20 Get £10
Use promo code NEWBONUS

18+ New customers only. Bet £20 (or more) EVS (2.0) or greater Get 2 x £5 Free Bets. 1 x £5 Free Bet paid automatically & following £5 Free Bet after 24hrs. Min Free Bet odds 4/1 (5.0) on accumulators Trebles & upwards. Expires after 24hrs. Full T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org

Bet at Star Sports
ryan-tucker
Ryan Tucker

Sports Editor & Betting Analyst • Australian Sports Specialist & Betting Model Expert

Ryan's love for sport traverses many countries and cultures. From humble beginnings in Western Sydney growing up playing and refereeing Rugby League to running European wide Australian Rules Football tournaments there is a mountain of experience in between. 


Multiple trips to North America has also deepened the love for the four major US sports and a continuing dream to catch as much live action as possible.

Stats and data analysis has now outgrown the hobby tag and the countless models and simulations are now being put to good use writing previews and predictions for NRL.

Read More

Related

Top Betting Sites

special-offer-1Betting offers

Upcoming Events

08 May 2026

  • WNBA 2026 -
  • Basketball

15 July 2026

  • VCT 2026 EMEA Stage 2 -
  • Esports

16 July 2026

  • VCT 2026 Pacific Stage 2 -
  • Esports
  • VCT 2026 Americas Stage 2 -
  • Esports
Load More
17 Jun 2026

State of Origin 2026 - Game 2

Today's Acca Tips

  • Soccer tips

  • Horse Racing tips

  • Tennis tips

 bonus image
Resources
Copyright © 2026 All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited. Players must be 18 or over and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. Know when to Stop. Gamble responsibly and Think about your choices. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: gamcare.org.uk (UK), 800gambler.org (US), or gamblinghelponline.org.au (Australia). Gambling is addictive 18+. #Ads © 2026 freetips.com
Hear more from Freetips.com