NRL Tips - NSW v Queensland Man of the Match - Game 1

The 2026 State of Origin series kicks off at Accor Stadium in Sydney this Wednesday, and once again there is plenty of value in Man of the Match betting.

Best Bet

Sam Walker

Man of the Match

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$15.00

Sydney Rooster Sam Walker makes his debut for the Maroons on Wednesday night but looks well overs given the recent record of Queensland halves. A Queensland half has won at least one Man of the Match award in four of the last six series with the inexperienced Tom Dearden winning the award in Game 3 last year. Walker does not have a lot of big-game experience but already has three Anzac Day Man of the Match awards. He is a mammoth price.

Next Best

James Tedesco

Man of the Match

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$7.00

Prolific Man of the Match winner James Tedesco is recalled after two seasons on the outer and looks a super chance of the honours given his history, his workrate and the uninspiring history of Nathan Cleary in interstate affairs. Tedesco has been named Man of the Match three times – just one off the NSW record of four. The Blues are the favourites and he is a very good saver.

Value Bet

Cameron Munster

Man of the Match

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$15.00

Cameron Munster had a very poor start to the season and was one of the primary reasons behind the Storm’s dire start to the year but he has turned it around the last few weeks and given the recent record of spine players he looks a juicy bet at $15. Munster can find his way to the tryline with three Origin tries in his last eight games in Maroon. Munster has won the award three times since 2020 including in Game 2 last season.

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Editor in Chief

Frankie McDonald

Frankie has spent more than two decades working in the Australian wagering industry and is widely regarded for his expertise in AFL, NRL and horse racing tips.