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2026 State of Origin Game 2 Tryscorer Tips & Selections - 3 value options for the opening try

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Ryan Tucker
Editor
Last updated: Fri 12 Jun 2026 10:59
Ahead of the State of Origin Game 2 in 2026, the focus is on predicting the first tryscorer at the MCG. Queensland have a slight historical edge, scoring the opening try in 5 of the last 9 Game 2s, with wingers and centres regularly leading the way. Our top three value picks are Jojo Fifita (QLD), Briton Nikora (NSW), and Kotoni Staggs (NSW), each offering unique strengths and strong try-scoring records. Recommendation: Keep an eye on wingers and centres based on statistical trends.
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Ryan Tucker 12 Jun 2026
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  • QLD have scored first in 5 of last 9 Game 2s
  • Wingers & centres dominate first tryscorer stats
  • Top picks: Jojo Fifita, Briton Nikora, Kotoni Staggs
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jojo fifita origin
Jojo Fifita to get the opening try? (Getty Images)

2026 State of Origin Game 2 Tryscorer Verdict


Who will get the opening try of the game in State of Origin Game 2 on June 17, 2026? Get our three value betting options.

It was the Queensland Maroons who got the first try in Game 1 of the series with Robert Toia capitalising on an error in the opening 10 minutes.

The Maroons have also scored the first try in five of the last nine Game 2 showdowns and are backed to burst out of the blocks and cross for the first try of the game at the MCG.

With wingers and centres being the overwhelming majority of first tryscorers, we are sticking with that focus in our tips for State of Origin Game 2 of the 2026 series.

Key Stats


  • In the 28 games played in the last 8 years, a Queensland has scored the first try 15 times, a New South Welshman 13 times
  • QLD have scored the first try in 5 of the last 9 Game 2’s despite only winning 3 of those matches.
  • The centres (10) and wingers (10) have naturally dominated the first try scoring category, second-rowers have scored on 4 occasions with no other position scoring first more than once. 

Jojo Fifita


Fifita’s strength this season for the Gold Coast Titans has been through the air, and Sam Walker can drop a ball on a coin. This was underutilised in Game 1, more due to the nature of the game with Queensland having so much ball in the NSW half. But it has to be a plan for QLD to go to the air, otherwise the question needs to be asked why he is even there.

Briton Nikora


Nikora has come under fire for retaining his spot in the team. But there is no doubt he has try-scoring potential. 10 tries for the Cronulla Sharks in 2024, 7 in 2025 and 2 already this season. With the NSW outside backs knowing how dangerous the centres and wingers are, there is opportunity for Walker or Munster to slip a short ball or kick through the line, setting up Nikora for a try on the tram lines.

Kotoni Staggs


Staggs was amazing in Game 1 and was unlucky to not bag a four-pointer. He has been one of few shining lights for the Brisbane Broncos this season and his running style is one of the most aggressive in the game. His strength means he is able to break tackles, even with 3-4 players hanging off him. Queensland’s edge are not the big body players that can stop a player like Staggs, if the opportunity presents itself again you can almost book him to get the ball over the line.

Verdict

Our three selections for the opening try of State of Origin Game 2:

Best Bet1: Jojo Fifita First Tryscorer @10/1 at bet365 - 1 Unit
Best Bet2: Briton Nikora First Tryscorer @20/1 at dabble - 1 Unit
Best Bet3: Kotoni Staggs First Tryscorer @16/1 at Star Sports - 1 Unit
Jojo Fifita
First Tryscorer
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Briton Nikora
First Tryscorer
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Kotoni Staggs
First Tryscorer
@16/1 - 1 Unit
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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.

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