Betting news & man of the match odds for Origin 3

THE tide is turning back towards the sunny shores of Queensland as we approach game three of the 2017 State of Origin series.

Over the past week or so, all the big money has gone to New South Wales.

That saw the Blues shorten from -125 in as tight as -135.14 at online bookmaker Sportsbet.com.au.

Even so, the casual flutterers seem to favour the outsiders.

A steady stream of smaller wagers on the Maroons has caused their head-to-head price to edge from +115 into +112 since Tuesday.

Punters can expect plenty more fluctuation in the markets as the 8pm kickoff approaches.

The absence of Johnathan Thurston has hurt Queensland’s chances, but Billy Slater is cleared to play after suffering an injury scare in training.

Recent reiteration of JT’s decision to call time on his glittering Origin career has intensified speculation over the futures of Slater and Cooper Cronk, both of whom are reported to be considering retirement at season’s end.

Tributes flow in for an #Origin great! pic.twitter.com/TKbNS5H77Z

— Sportsbet.com.au (@sportsbetcomau) July 11, 2017

Maroons coach Kevin Walters is more concerned with what the Melbourne Storm stars deliver on Wednesday night, regardless of whether or not it is their last representative appearance.

“They haven’t given any indication to anyone really,” he said.

“That’s irrelevant. We just need them to be at their best to win.

“They know what is going on but we just want the best out of them tomorrow night and worry about that next year.”

Slater was overlooked for game one as NSW claimed a record 28-4 victory at Suncorp Stadium.

Walters admitted the 34-year-old fullback made a significant impact in his side’s comeback win in game two.

“I think Billy made a big difference in game two and we need that difference again for Queensland to get home,” he said.

“I think Cooper Cronk can add to that as well regardless of whether it is their last game for Queensland.”

Yet it is another Storm stalwart who tops the betting for the man of the match award.

Although the Blues are favourites to win, Maroons captain Cameron Smith is the punters’ pick for best on ground at +550.

Cronk (+800) and Slater (+1000) are not far behind.

James Tedesco leads the NSW candidates at +700, followed by Sydney Roosters star Mitchell Pearce at +900.

Game one heroes Andrew Fifita and James Maloney share the +1000 quote.

Further back at +1600 is Jarryd Hayne, who copped a hiding in the media his error-riddled display in game two.

If his social media presence is anything to go by, the Gold Coast Titans star is desperate to appease Blues supporters with a big performance in Brisbane.

pic.twitter.com/W13Wa2z1wE

— jarryd hayne (@JarrydHayne) July 11, 2017

NSW coach Laurie Daley believes it would be foolish to write off a player who has achieved so much on the Origin stage over the course of his career.

“Haynsey was disappointed with his performance in game two,” he said in a television interview on Tuesday night.

“He did some good things, he did some things he wasn’t happy with.

“Like all great players, when they don’t play well, they’re itching to get back out there and prove to everyone they’re not a spent force.

“His two performances for the Gold Coast Titans [since Origin II] have been great.

“We just need a team performance from Jarryd.”

Origin 3 man of the match betting

Market courtesy of Sportsbet

+550 – Cameron Smith

+700 – James Tedesco

+800 – Cooper Cronk

+900 – Mitchell Pearce

+1000 – Andrew Fifita, James Maloney, Billy Slater

+1200 – Boyd Cordner

+1400 – Matt Gillett

+1600 – Jarryd Hayne, Nathan Peats

+2000 – Cameron Munster, Josh McGuire

+2200 – Wade Graham, Josh Jackson, Jake Trbojevic

+3000 – Tyson Frizell, Aaron Woods

+3300 – Gavin Cooper, Dane Gagai, Michael Morgan, Dylan Napa

+4000 – Josh Dugan

+5000 – Will Chambers, Ben Hunt, Josh Papalii

+6600 – Valentine Holmes, David Klemmer, Jarrod Wallace

+8000 – Jack Bird

+10000 – Blake Ferguson, Coen Hess, Brett Morris

+20000 – Tim Glasby