Game 2 of the 2025 NRL State of Origin series between New South Wales and Queensland heads to Perth this year, with the Blues ahead 1-nil in the series. Excitement was high ahead of the first contest and fans are desperate to see how each team lines up for this game. There is still a lot of uncertainty around the potential of each team and how the matchups which will play out over 80 minutes. Don’t despair, Before You Bet is here to take a comprehensive look at the action ahead, with the aim of finding you a winner or two to add to your enjoyment.
Check out our full preview and tips for Game 2 of the State of Origin below and if you’re keen to play along with our tips, consider joining Betr and take advantage of their great State of Origin promotion where you can get odds of $4.50 for either Munster or Cleary to win Man of the Match!
2025 NRL State of Origin Game 2 Predictions & Tips
Game 1 Recap
The Blues were successful in Game 1, traveling to Brisbane and capturing a spirited victory 18-6. Based on their history, it was a very un-Queensland-like performance from the Maroons. Trailing 14-2 at HT, there was a sense that the score could blowout in the second half. A sin bin on halftime limited this somewhat but the fact that it was a possible outcome, on their home turf, indicates how poorly they were playing. With just 47% possession and a 78% completion rate, they struggled to create in attack, making just one line break and averaging just 8m per carry. The Blues were slightly better with 8.8m per carry and 4 line breaks. Two major differences came in PCM’s and missed tackles. The Blues dominated both areas with 605 PCM’s and just 19 missed tackles compared to the Maroons 481 PCM’s and 49 missed tackles. It has bought about an overhaul in the Maroon’s team, with Daly Cherry-Evans dropped. As good as NSW were, they left plenty of points out on the field; they should’ve dominated the contest more than they did. This confidence will serve them well ahead of this match, but they should be wary of an ambush; this storyline is a familiar one and exactly where the Maroons are comfortable being.
Stats That Matter
- NSW have won 10 of the past 14 Game 2 matches. Of the 4 which have been played at neutral venues, they have a 100% record.
- The past 6 Game 2 matches have been decided by a 13+ margin.
- 6 of the past 14 Game 2 winners have won Game 1, sealing the series. The thought that teams correct their performance from the opening match is well supported with this statistic.
Maroons or Blues? Here's our State of Origin Game 2 Tip
The momentum is with the Blues and with the series on the line, they are well placed to capture it in Perth. There have been several key changes on both sides.
The new-look Maroons team has Dearden at Halfback and Loiero at Lock. Their inclusions need to improve the team and while talented, doubt remains as to whether it’ll be enough. There has also been an adjustment on their edge, with Holmes moving back to Centre to improve this team defensively. There is no doubt that the Maroons will be better in this match. Problem for them is that the Blues should also improve from Game 1.
The loss of Moses at 5/8 sees Luai come into the team and they lose nothing with his inclusion. With a forced change on the bench, it is a stable team that looked good in the opening match of the series. The challenge for them is absorbing what is thrown at them by their opponents; Game 1 suggests a new attacking and defensive structure will be forthcoming. While expected to improve, it still appears as though Queensland will not have the ability to outplay NSW over 80 minutes. That is more to do with their opponent’s firepower than their own shortcomings. The Blues unlocked their opponents defensively in numerous ways. Crichton dominated the edge, Cleary’s kicking game was great, and the forward were strong in the middle. That is also a performance whereby they can be better and are aware of what needs to improve ahead of this match. While expected to be tight, the Blues should be able to pull away late to win by a comfortable margin.
New South Wales -7.5
$2.00 (2 Units)
Total Points/Margin
As mentioned above, 5 of the past 6 Game 2 matches have been won by the Blues with all 5 of those fixtures being decided by a 13+ margin. The average margin of victory for the Blues since 2011 is 16.2 points while the Maroons have won by an average of 14.5 points; the Blues were successful by 20 points in Game 2 last year. The average total points is 36.7 points with an outlier of 10 points (Game 2, 2014) dragging the average down slightly.
There is no doubt that the firepower within these teams will make for an exciting attacking contest; you only must look at how each team moved the ball in Game 1 to see how dangerous each will be. This game is likely to follow a similar pattern to previous years.
Also consider: Margin – NSW 13+ @ $2.55 at Betr
Total Points – Over 41.5
$1.90
NRL State of Origin Game 2 Best Prop Bets
First Try Scorer/Try Scorer
In the past 14 Game 2 fixtures, outside backs (players wearing 2, 3, 4 or 5) have scored first on 9 occasions. 4 out of the 5 try scorers in Game 1 were in these positions, with the other try being scored by a fullback (Edwards). A more open style of play is expected and with that, every player becomes a viable try scoring option when the ball is in play. There were several near misses in Game 1 from players across the field.
Queensland
Best Bet = Xavier Coates – There was a liking to the sweeping right-edge movement by the Maroons in Game 1. Ponga’s inclusion in the backline to added impact to this play was underutilised also. They caught the Blues short multiple times in Game 1 from various points on the field. Coates also scored the Maroons only try in that match.
Value = Jeremiah Nanai – With the strength in the NSW defensive line at centre, expect the Maroons to target their halves with wide-running back rowers. This is where Nanai excels and, as he is also a threat in the air, his odds appear to be larger than they should be.
Also consider: Jeremiaj Nanai - $23 at Betr
QLD First Try - Xavier Coates
$11
New South Wales
Best Bet = Zac Lomax – Lomax scored a double in Game 1, including the opening try of the match. He is a genuine threat both on the ground and in the air. Having Crichton inside him should also open him up as his centre attracts multiple defenders.
Value = Stephen Crichton – It is no secret that Crichton will be a weapon for the Blues; the Maroons have been forced to make a change just to combat his dominance. His big, powerful frame, combined with desire to achieve success, will make him a threat every time he has the ball in his hands.
Also consider: Stephen Crichton - $14 at Betr
NSW First Try - Zac Lomax
$7.50
Man of the Match
There is no clear pattern of players winning this honour in Game 2. If anything, 9 of the past 14 have been forwards but countering that is that 3 of the past 5 have been halfbacks. For either side, you must go with the players who are likely to have the most impact on the result. As always, this is a market which should be avoided as it is subjective and often, the best player is overlooked. Haas was the winner in Game 1 this year, with his spirited performance in the middle gaining the necessary attention. There were several other Blues players who also could’ve been awarded this.
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Queensland
Best Bet = Cameron Munster – He’s been handed the captaincy of his state and will be determined to improve on his performance in Game 1. He was flat at times and offered little resistance in defence. The Maroons are placing a great deal of confidence in his ability to bring in a new playmaker; he needs to play in the manner which he does best in running the ball to the line.
Value = Tino Fa’asuamaleaui – There is a high chance that big Tino will play 80 minutes. The Maroons need him to be at his ferocious best if they are to win. Such is his passion, this is expected to occur as he takes the game to the Blues pack who outplayed them in Game 1.
Also consider: Tino Fa’asuamaleaui - $34 at Betr
QLD Man of the Match - Cameron Munster
$14
New South Wales
Best Bet = Isaah Yeo – Yeo was terrific in Game 1. Moving away from ball playing, he had carries at vital stages of the match and was strong in defence. If the Blues are to win, another strong contribution from him is needed.
Value = Stephen Crichton – He is one of the Blues best players in attack and defence. If they are to win, expect a big game from him. Linking with his old teammate To’o and with Luai dancing out to his edge, multiple opportunities should be presented to him to leave an impact on this match.
Also consider: Stephen Crichton - $17 at Betr
NSW Man of the Match - Isaah Yeo
$13
Queensland vs New South Wales Betting Odds & Match Info
Location: Optus Stadium, Perth
Date: Wednesday 18th June
Time: 8:05pm AEST
Odds: Queensland ($2.73) vs New South Wales ($1.46)
Line: New South Wales -7.5
Total: 41.5
Team Lineups
Queensland
1. Kaylan Ponga 2. Xavier Coates 3. Robert Toia 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 6. Cameron Munster 7. Tom Dearden 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Harry Grant 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Reuben Cotter 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Trent Loiero Interchange: 14. Kurt Mann 15. Lindsay Collins 16. Jeremiah Nanai 17. Patrick Carrigan Reserves: 18. Ezra Mam 19. Jack Howarth 20. Corey Horsburgh
New South Wales
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Brian To’o 3. Stephen Crichton 4. Latrell Mitchell 5. Zac Lomax 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Mitch Barnett 9. Reece Robson 10. Payne Haas 11. Liam Martin 12. Angus Crichton 13. Isaah Yeo Interchange: 14. Connor Watson15. 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Hudson Young 17. Stefano Utoikamanu Reserves: 18. Matt Burton 19. Keaon Koloamatangi 20. Lindsay Smith
Where To Watch the State of Origin?
You can watch the Maroons vs Blues live and free on Channel 9, while full replays will be shown on Kayo Sports!
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