2026 State of Origin Game 32 Man of the Match Predictions
Who will be named man of the match in State of Origin Game 2 between NSW Blues vs QLD Maroons on June 17, 2026? Three top tips have been picked out.
Nathan Cleary put on a masterclass to bring the Blues home in Game 1, taking man of the match honours. The narrative here would be that QLD level up the series in Melbourne leading to a Maroons player grabbing the top on-field honours.
- Since 2017, 9 forwards, 11 halves, 6 fullbacks and 2 centres have won the MOTM honours.
- Nathan Cleary's previous two Origin MOM performances have been in a Game 2.
- A half has won Man of the Match in 3 straight Origin matches.
You can also read the Origin Game 2 preview and tips and get NSW vs QLD tryscorer tips.
Sam Walker
The Roosters halfback had a fantastic Origin debut in Game 1 with 2 Try Assists, 1 Linebreak Assist, 1 Tackle Break, 18 Tackles as well as 462 Kick Metres. He also kicked 3/3 conversions as well as a penalty goal in one of the most well rounded debut performances of the last decade. Had QLD won, he would have been first in line for the medal.
Nathan Cleary
After years of talk saying that Nathan Cleary cannot perform at Origin level, the Penrith Panthers and Blues halfback put his detractors to bed with a standout performance to help lift his team to victory. Including his win in Game 1, halves have taken MOM honours on 11 occasions, by far the most of any group of positions. If NSW win the series on Wednesday, it will be because of him.
Kurt Capewell
Kurt Capewell is the definition of Origin. The New Zealand Warriors second rower gets about his work, doesn’t make a racket, pays with blood and rarely makes a mistake. He played 80 minutes in Game 1, had 14 runs for 107 metres, 38 of them post contact,