State of Origin Game 2 betting tips & odds | June 18, 2025

Best bets for Queensland vs New South Wales

State of Origin Game 2 preview

The 2025 State of Origin series heads west as the New South Wales Blues look to seal the deal in Perth, while the Queensland Maroons will be trying to salvage a lifeline after being outclassed in Game 1.

Laurie Daley’s side was dominant across the park in Brisbane, and with minimal changes to the squad, the Blues will be full of confidence. Jarome Luai steps back in at five-eighth to reunite with Panthers teammate Nathan Cleary, while Latrell Mitchell looms as a strike weapon on the edge. NSW have won both Origin clashes played in Perth by 32-point margins, so it’ a venue they clearly enjoy.

Queensland coach Billy Slater has thrown the magnets in the air — Daly Cherry-Evans dropped, Tom Dearden in at halfback, Cameron Munster named captain, and several players shifted around the backline. The changes feel more panicked than planned, with question marks hanging over the combinations and defensive matchups.

New South Wales dominated the stat sheet in Game 1 — more possession, better field position, fewer errors — and with history and form on their side, they’ll be tough to stop, with the top online bookmakers installing them as $1.44 favourites.

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QLD Maroons v NSW Blues Game 2 team lists

Queensland Maroons

1. Kalyn Ponga
2. Xavier Coates
3. Robert Toia
4. Valentine Holmes
5. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
6. Cameron Munster (c)
7. Tom Dearden
8. Moeaki Fotuaika
9. Harry Grant
10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
11. Reuben Cotter
12. Kurt Capewell
13. Trent Loiero
14. Kurt Mann
15. Lindsay Collins
16. Jeremiah Nanai
17. Patrick Carrigan

New South Wales Blues

1. Dylan Edwards
2. Brian To’o
3. Stephen Crichton
4. Latrell Mitchell
5. Zac Lomax
6. Jarome Luai
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Max King
9. Reece Robson
10. Payne Haas
11. Liam Martin
12. Angus Crichton
13. Isaah Yeo (c)
14. Connor Watson
15. Spencer Leniu
16. Hudson Young
17. Stefano Utoikamanu

State of Origin Game 2 betting predictions

Game 1 was one-sided on paper, but the Blues left plenty of points on the table, and Queensland are bound to lift with the series on the line. Still, the changes in the Maroons’ camp raise more questions than answers, and NSW’s experience and cohesion should give them the edge. Expect the Blues to win it by 12 points or less, paying $2.85 with BetOnline.

Latrell Mitchell has scored in four of his last five Origin appearances and thrives on the big stage. With Queensland reshuffling their edge defence, he will be primed to strike. Mitchell’s power, footwork, and presence on sweeping movements make him the go-to man in the red zone. At $2.20 with BetOnline, he’s one of the safest anytime try options on the field.

If New South Wales win this game, there’s every chance Nathan Cleary is at the centre of it all. He controls the tempo, kicks long and short with class, and is key in orchestrating set plays. With Mitchell Moses out, the spotlight will be even brighter on Cleary — and he has a strong Origin record in Perth. At $4.50 BetOnline, he’s a great shout to walk away with the medal in a Blues victory.

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