Five best bets for Game 2 in State of Origin 2017

PUNTERS are spoilt for choice as we approach the second game of the 2017 State of Origin series.

Online bookmakers have hundreds of bets available for Wednesday’s big clash at ANZ Stadium, spanning everything from straight-up result wagers to quirky exotics and niche player props.

These are our top five picks for Origin II, with markets and prices from Australia’s best sports bookies.

Cameron Smith for most tackles

-105.26 at CrownBet.com.au

The long-serving Queensland skipper was one of very, very few Maroons upon whom no blame could be laid for the shambles of Origin I. He led by example in the heart of defence with 41 tackles – a tally bettered by only Nathan Peats (53) among the NSW squad. Peats is the -125 favourite in this betting group, but we like Smith to make those extra few half-chances stick this time around.

Ferguson and Gagai to tie for tries scored

+100 at CrownBet.com.au

NSW’s Blake Ferguson and QLD’s Dane Gagai are locked together at +225 in the player-versus-player tryscorer betting. The former has been far more prolific at club level of late, scoring six tries – including a hat-trick a few weeks back – for Sydney Roosters in the NRL. Gagai has crossed only once for the battling Newcastle Knights in 2017. You will double your money if you back neither man to get on the scoreboard.

Queensland to convert the most tries

+202 at Sportsbet.com.au

With JT returning from injury, the Maroons have the all-time greatest Origin points scorer back on the park. He also happens to be one of the world’s most prolific playmakers, while the inclusion of Billy Slater at fullback should also boost Queensland’s creative output. The value of this bet all depends on whether or not you think they will cross the line often enough in the first place.

Queensland to score first and win

+255 at WilliamHill.com.au

This is a lovely little double market from the folks at William Hill. There is nothing outrageous about the notion of the Maroons scoring the first points of the match and going on to win, and it offers slightly better odds than the popular half-time/full-time result bets. If you just don’t fancy the Canetoads, +150 on NSW to score first and win is also very decent money.

Johnathan Thurston for man of the match

+700 at Sportsbet.com.au

If Queensland get the job done, you can bet this man will be at the heart of everything good. Thurston’s rare ability to influence a game was on full display in his return for North Queensland Cowboys two weekends back, and his absence was sorely felt in game one at Lang Park last month. Five times already he has been a State of Origin man of the match, so a sixth gong would be no great surprise.