Rugby league’s biggest bash is now just hours away, with Queensland set to battle New South Wales once again for interstate supremacy in State of Origin 1.
This year’s contest takes on a slightly different tone to that of past series, with Queensland facing the unusual task of wrestling the shield back from the Blues.
As usual though there is plenty of value to be had for punters looking to have a bet on the match.
Head to head
Despite a rocky preparation that has seen Daly Cherry-Evans pull out with injury and some of his star players battling injury, Queensland will once again start Game 1 of the series as favourites at $1.73.
Punters appear to be wary of a NSW team missing last year’s star Jarryd Hayne: the Maroons have attracted 70% of the money taken on the match, with one punter plonking $13,500 on Mal’s men. Another has bucked the trend by placing $40,000 on New South Wales at $2.20 for a potential $48,000 profit.
Also, one super ambitious punter has placed $100 on the game to end in a draw at $17.
Still not sure? With our Origin Game 1 special, if your team loses by 8 points or less, its cash back up to $100!
Winning margin
Opening Origin matches are traditionally tight and torrid affairs, with last year’s game one being decided by just four points.
If the Blues repeat their feat from 2014 and pip the Maroons by 4, they are paying $15.
However, the majority of punters have leaned towards QLD getting up by 1-12 ($2.60).
Two super optimistic punters are predicting a Maroons wipeout, getting on QLD to win by 30+ at $19!
First try scorer
It’s no surprise that once again it’s Maroons winger Darius Boyd who has been the best backed to open up the try scoring at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday night.
Whilst he’s only played a handful of games this season, at $9 Boyd has had over 20% of the bets placed on him.
If you fancy NSW to get the first points on the board, Roosters flankman Daniel Tupou is the favourite at $10, while halfback Trent Hodkinson represents good value at $26.
Elsewhere two extremely optimistic punters have whacked $100 on Blues bookend Aaron Woods to cross the stripe first at $101 for a $10,100 collect!
Even better though if you place a bet in the first try scorer market and your player scores a try at anytime, it’s cash back up to $100!
Two or more tries
Scoring a pair of meat pies in an Origin match is no easy feat, but as usual it’s the outside back who look to be the best bets here.
Longtime Blues tormentor Greg Inglis looks to be the value bet here at $11.
Strangely enough it’s Maroons prop Josh McGuire who has been the best backed to bag a double, at the lofty price of $501!
Will Josh get a pair?
Man of the match
Not him again…
It’s no surprise to see Queensland captian Cameron Smith yet again the short-priced favourite here, with the Maroons Mr Perfect the short-priced favourite at $6.
Greg Inglis represents value at $15, whilst workhorse Blues backrower Ryan Hoffman is a smokie at $26.
Strangely enough it’s injured QLD fullback Billy Slater who has received the biggest bet, with one punter laying $1000 on Slater at $11.
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