Man of the Match 2025 State of Origin Game 2 Queensland vs New South Wales - Who will take the honours in Game 2?

Ryan Tucker

Editor

Last updated: 16 Jun 2025

Ryan Tucker 16 Jun 2025

Share this article

Who will be named Man of the Match in State of Origin Game 2?
State of Origin 2025 Game Two kicks off on Wednesday, June 18th
Payne Haas named Man of the Match in Game 1 for NSW with standout stats.
Game 2 in Perth, crucial for NSW to maintain momentum from Game 1.
Zac Lomax and Harry Grant are top contenders for Man of the Match in Game 2.

Man of the Match 2025 State of Origin Game 2 Queensland vs New South Wales

2025 State of Origin Queensland vs New South Wales Man of the Match Predictions

2025 State of Origin Queensland vs New South Wales Man of the Match Predictions
New South Wales - Zac Lomax
Queensland - Harry Grant

Payne Haas took the Man of the Match award in Game 1 of the 2025 Origin series with an all round effort in his 58 minutes on the park for the Blues.

Haas had 18 Runs for 156 Metres (61 post contact), 3 tackle breaks and made 30 tackles without missing. A reward for a consistent effort with no other player having a break-out game.

As is the case with picking a Man of the Match, you need to look at who has break-out potential and what it would mean in the scheme of the game and the series. If the contest is tight, the award will go to a workhorse. It’s all about the narrative and where you see it going.

With Game 2 being played in Perth, NSW can double down on the ascendancy from Game 1 knowing they have historically played well there. The backline will again feature heavily in a contest that is expected to be an arm-wrestle for the majority of the 80 minutes.

Bets.com.au has put together their picks for the MOTM Award for Game 2 of the 2025 Origin series between New South Wales and Queensland.

Since 2017, 9 forwards, 8 halves, 6 fullbacks and 2 centres have won the MOTM honours.
The last time a winger won the award was Dane Gagai in Game 1 of 2019. The last hooker to win was Cam Smith in Game 3 of 2017.
Only once in the NRL era has a player from the losing team received MOTM - Josh Jackson in 2017

Check out our Game 2 Match Predictions and First Try Scorer Picks

New South Wales - Zac Lomax

It is funny that we are once again talking about Lomax and him “just missing out” on another MoM award from Game 1. This guy goes to another level at Origin, 2 tries, 25 runs (most of any player), 209 Run Metres (71 post contact), 2 Linebreaks and 3 tackle breaks in 80 minutes of Origin footy is outstanding.

His Odds have shortened significantly from Game 1 meaning he is definitely in with a shot if he can replicate his workload. Lomax is a game breaker and given the chance can turn the momentum of a game singlehandedly on one play.

NSW will once again look to him to get them out of trouble running the ball and be the expert finisher and aerial specialist in attack. His time will come.

Zac Lomax $15Man of the Match - Game 2Bet Here

18+ only. Ts and Cs apply. Think ! About your choices. Call Gambling Help on 1800 858 858 or visit the website. All bets accepted on behalf of PlayUp Interactive Pty Ltd Licensed in Northern Territory, Australia by NT Racing Commission. www.gamblinghelp.nsw.gov.au

Queensland - Harry Grant

For the Maroons, they need someone to stand up and be the difference. Their captain has been dropped, the media is starting to turn on them and to be honest their squad looks thin and demoralised.

Harry Grant is the kind of guy that can tackle his heart out but still make a snap decision to run from dummy half close to the line to score a try that either puts his team in front, or creates a wave of momentum.

Grant has not been his usual self for a while, injuries have plagued him. But if there is any arena in the world that can make a guy discover some old form, even just for 80 minutes - it is Origin. Queensland need a breakthrough and Harry Grant could be the guy to do it.