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State of Origin Game 3 Man of the Match Tips - Who will be best on ground in Queensland vs New South Wales?

jeremy-darke
Jeremy Darke
Editor
Last updated: Mon 06 Jul 2026 00:35
With the 2026 State of Origin decider looming, predictions are split between Queensland's Kalyn Ponga and New South Wales' James Tedesco for Man of the Match honors. Reflecting a recent trend, halves and fullbacks have dominated the prestigious award, especially in Game 3s. Ponga is backed to be a game breaker for QLD, while Tedesco's work-rate and experience are seen as crucial for NSW. History leans towards a fullback or half stepping up, making both players popular picks for the clash.
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Jeremy Darke 06 Jul 2026
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  • Halves & fullbacks dominate recent Game 3 MOTM awards
  • Kalyn Ponga (QLD) favored for his game-breaking potential
  • James Tedesco (NSW) backed for experience & high work-rate
Kalyn Ponga origin
Kalyn Ponga is backed for MOTM (Getty Images)

2026 State of Origin Queensland vs New South Wales Game 3


In the opening two games of Origin 2026, it was the halves who stole the show with man of the match performances. Will that be the case again in the crucial Game 3? 

Nathan Cleary steered the Blues to a Game 1 victory and Sam Walker putting on a clinic in both games and was awarded MOTM in Game 2. History says that it will be a half or a fullback who follows them in being best on ground in Game 3.

  • Since 2017, 9 forwards, 12 halves, 6 fullbacks and 2 centres have won the MOTM honours.
  • A fullback or half has won Man of the Match in the last 8 Game Threes
  • QLD have won 8 of the last 10 deciders


Kalyn Ponga (QLD)


The obvious pick here is Sam Walker if Queensland clinch the decider and he will be there in the multiple MOTM Picks put on on Wednesday. 

However, Kalyn Ponga has been influential in patches (in a good and bad way) this series and I just have vibes that he can be the man to break this game open and make up for the mishap in Game 1.

Ponga looked sharp in the opener before being sent off and in Game 2 he put his head down and put the work in and stayed out of trouble. 

Game 3 will be a different story and will likely need a game breaker and Ponga can be the key to unlocking the QLD attack giving the Newcastle fullback the opportunity to rack up some line breaks and try assists and maybe even a four-pointer himself.

James Tedesco (NSW)


Teddy was one of the heroes for the Blues in Game 1 and did a mountain of work with 19 runs and 150+ metres in a well beaten side in Game 2. 

Nathan Cleary will need another monster to get the Blues home but Tedesco’s experience will be vital for the Blues in Game 3. 

His work-rate will be up and if the game is on the line and I was in the halves for the Blues, I would be looking for the former NSW captain to get his hands on the ball out the back of the line or in the air like he did in Game 1.

Verdict

It's a case of focusing on the number ones in the decider with Kalyn Ponga and James Tedesco backed for man of the match.

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