Blues vs Maroons Prediction: Marky Mark to lead NSW to Origin glory in 6/1 shot

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Blues vs Maroons Odds

Despite getting out of the blocks slowly at Homebush three weeks ago, the Blues are backed for the win at the MCG. Betfred have slated them at 5/6, implying a 54.5% probability.

Queensland are 21/20, with the draw in 80 minutes 16/1.

Betfred also has some Price Boosts available. It’s now 4/1 (from 10/3) about tries for both Brian To’o and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, while a Queensland win in a match featuring over 43.5 points is 3/1 from 11/4.

You can also back a Hudson Smith try in a NSW victory at 4/1. That, too, was initially a 10/3 chance.

Team News

Mark Nawaqanitawase is called up for his Origin debut after the news that Casey McLean damaged his quad in training over the weekend. Tolu Koula slips across to centre, with ‘Marky Mark’ starting on the wing.

There’s also an Origin debut for Dylan Lucas in the back row, with Haumole Olakau’atu dropping out.

Payne Haas starts in the front row after a knee injury ruled him out of Game I, and Mitchell Moses also gets the call after being given as much time as possible to prove his fitness for the opener but not quite making it.

There’s no Blayke Brailey for Laurie Daley’s side, so Apisai Koroisau is added to the Blues’ bench options.

Rugby League Odds

Billy Slater’s changes all come in the pack, with the backs replicating the Game I lineup.

Briton Nikora comes into the second row, with Max Plath dropping to the bench and Reuben Cotter switching to loose forward. And with Patrick Carrigan set to miss both this game and the Game III clash at Suncorp, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki gets a first call as a substitute option.

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is back in camp after taking time out following the death of his father on Saturday, and the Titans prop looks set to line up in the starting XIII for what will be an emotional appearance with the series on the line.

Blues by 1-5 @ 6/1

For 20-plus minutes, New South Wales simply weren’t at the races in Game I. Even after getting on the board, it was only following the sending-off of Ponga that they wrestled some real control.

But I think Daley has them in a sharper state ahead of the neutral clash on Wednesday. They simply have to be better in the opening quarter, and if they are then they should be superior to the Maroons.

Of course, there have been many times over the years when the Blues have looked great on paper but failed to get the job done on the paddock.

I have to back the quality on show though, and if all things are equal then NSW should just about get the job done and reclaim the shield with 80 minutes to spare.