State of Origin II: The Experts' Take
The anticipation is palpable as the second game of the State of Origin series approaches. With the series on the line, the experts have weighed in, offering their insights and predictions. Here's a breakdown of what they're saying, with a healthy dose of personal commentary and analysis.
The Man of the Match
The most talked-about topic is the man of the match. Nathan Cleary and Kalyn Ponga are the overwhelming favorites, but the experts have differing opinions on who will shine.
Matty Johns:
"Nathan Cleary is the man of the match. The Moses and Cleary combination will be a key factor in our series victory." (Johns, 2026)
"I predict two tries for Cleary and Moses." (Johns, 2026)
"The Blues will win Game Two, and Nathan Cleary will be the star." (Johns, 2026)
Cooper Cronk:
"Reuben Cotter will be the man of the match." (Cronk, 2026)
"QLD will win because they have to, and they'll find a way." (Cronk, 2026)
Luke Keary:
"Kalyn Ponga will be the star." (Keary, 2026)
"Selwyn Cobbo will score two tries." (Keary, 2026)
Michael Ennis:
"Payne Haas will be the man of the match." (Ennis, 2026)
Nathan Hindmarsh:
"Hudson Young will be the star." (Hindmarsh, 2026)
Bryan Fletcher:
"Dylan Lucas will be the man of the match." (Fletcher, 2026)
Billy Moore:
"Harry Grant will be the star." (Moore, 2026)
The Winner
The majority of experts predict a Blues victory, but the margin varies.
Matty Johns:
"The Blues will win by 10 points." (Johns, 2026)
Cooper Cronk:
"QLD will win, but it will be a close game." (Cronk, 2026)
Luke Keary:
"QLD will win, but the Blues will be better out of the blocks." (Keary, 2026)
Michael Ennis:
"The Blues will win, but QLD will keep it close." (Ennis, 2026)
Nathan Hindmarsh:
"The Blues will win, and our number nines will be the difference." (Hindmarsh, 2026)
Bryan Fletcher:
"The Blues will win, and we'll learn from our mistakes." (Fletcher, 2026)
Ben Elias:
"It will be a draw." (Elias, 2026)
Dean 'Bulldog' Ritchie:
"The Blues will win by 12 points." (Ritchie, 2026)
Greg Alexander:
"The Blues will hold the ball and win." (Alexander, 2026)
Steve 'Blocker' Roach:
"The Blues will win, and they'll grind out a victory." (Roach, 2026)
Billy Moore:
"QLD will win, but it will be a close game." (Moore, 2026)
Brent Read:
"QLD will win, but the Blues won't get lucky again." (Read, 2026)
Michael Carayannis:
"QLD will win, and Kalyn Ponga will be the star." (Carayannis, 2026)
Paul Crawley:
"QLD will win, and they'll keep the series alive." (Crawley, 2026)
The Game's Outcome
The final scores predicted by the experts vary widely, with some predicting a close game and others a more decisive victory.
Matty Johns:
"NSW 28 - 18 QLD." (Johns, 2026)
Cooper Cronk:
"NSW 20 - 24 QLD." (Cronk, 2026)
Luke Keary:
"NSW 18 - 24 QLD." (Keary, 2026)
Michael Ennis:
"NSW 28 - 20 QLD." (Ennis, 2026)
Nathan Hindmarsh:
"NSW 19 - 18 QLD." (Hindmarsh, 2026)
Bryan Fletcher:
"NSW 24 - 12 QLD." (Fletcher, 2026)
Ben Elias:
"NSW 18 - 18 QLD." (Elias, 2026)
Dean 'Bulldog' Ritchie:
"NSW 28 - 16 QLD." (Ritchie, 2026)
Greg Alexander:
"NSW 28 - 24 QLD." (Alexander, 2026)
Steve 'Blocker' Roach:
"NSW 18 - 14 QLD." (Roach, 2026)
Billy Moore:
"NSW 16 - 20 QLD." (Moore, 2026)
Brent Read:
"NSW 10 - 30 QLD." (Read, 2026)
Michael Carayannis:
"NSW 22 - 26 QLD." (Carayannis, 2026)
Paul Crawley:
"NSW 24 - 26 QLD." (Crawley, 2026)
The Experts' Takeaway
The experts' predictions highlight the competitive nature of the series, with most expecting a close game. The man of the match debate adds an extra layer of intrigue, with a few experts picking different stars. The varying final scores predicted showcase the uncertainty surrounding the outcome.
In my opinion, the series will be decided by the team that can adapt to the game's flow. The man of the match will likely be a key factor, but the team's overall performance will be crucial. I predict a close game, with the Blues just edge out a victory. The series will be a thrilling contest, and the experts' insights provide a fascinating glimpse into the minds of these rugby league legends.
