Bookies look to lure punters as Maroons keep drifting

TWO weeks ago, Queensland were clear favourites in the betting for Wednesday night’s State of Origin opener.

Then the squads were named and all the money shifted south of the border.

The Maroons’ price has drifted steadily since it become known that long-serving Origin heroes Johnathan Thurston and Billy Slater would not be taking part in game one.

Also missing is Greg Inglis, who is battling both physical and mental issues on his way back from a long-term injury layoff.

Having opened as short as -142.86, Queensland are now paying upwards of +100 at most online bookmakers.

That means there is plenty of potential value out there for punters who are brave enough to bet against the tide.

For cash bets of up to $25, Ladbrokes is offering very tasty +150 Bet Blast special odds on the Maroons to win.

Even if you have an appetite for higher stakes, the bookie’s standard head-to-head market is paying +110 – the best of the major Australian wagering operators.

Ladbrokes also has a pair of tryscorer/result doubles that would have been paying much shorter odds a few weeks ago.

Corey Oates to score a try in a Queensland victory will get you +275, while Darius Boyd in the same scenario is paying +400.

Considering Oates is the obvious +140 favourite to cross at any time, there is good money to be had there if Queensland can spring an upset.

There is even more to be made if the young Bronco happens to bag the first try of the game.

The Ladbrokes Odds Boost Extra feature improved payouts on any player in the Origin 1 first tryscorer market.

Oates is currently listed at +900 standard odds, but you can pump that price up to +1100.

The margin betting also makes for very interesting reading.

Should it be a typical, tight Origin tussle up at Lang Park, Bet365.com’s +185 quote for Queensland to win by 1-13 points is hard to beat.

Those going outside the box and tipping a big win for the hosts can take hefty +650 odds in the five-way margin market at the same bookie.

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