{"id":697329,"date":"2026-05-27T06:46:09","date_gmt":"2026-05-27T06:46:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/697329\/"},"modified":"2026-05-27T06:46:09","modified_gmt":"2026-05-27T06:46:09","slug":"state-of-origin-2026-game-1-expert-predictions-predicted-score-and-man-of-the-match-fox-league-tips-for-nsw-blues-vs-queensland-maroons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/697329\/","title":{"rendered":"State of Origin 2026 Game 1 expert predictions, predicted score and man of the match, Fox League tips for NSW Blues vs Queensland Maroons"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Fox League\u2019s experts have had their say and it is the NSW Blues who will win Game 1 of this year\u2019s State of Origin opener according to 11 former players and journalists. <\/p>\n<p>Watch every game of every round of the Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports | <a href=\"https:\/\/kayosports.com.au\/en-AU\/welcome\/nrl?pg=default&amp;extcamp=fsaeditoriallinkleague-edt-fsp-lnk-awr-grc-nrl-kyo&amp;channel=fsa&amp;campaign=fsacontra&amp;voucher=\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Five are backing Queensland though, but it is the Blues who are overwhelmingly expected to get the job done. <\/p>\n<p><img class=\"i-amphtml-fill-content i-amphtml-replaced-content\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1779017096_680_poster-fallback.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>So, who is expected to be the difference and why do the Blues have the advantage? <\/p>\n<p>While Nathan Cleary and James Tedesco were two common names that came up, one bolter was mentioned three times for man-of-the-match honours. <\/p>\n<p>Read on for Fox League\u2019s Expert Game 1 predictions!<\/p>\n<p>MATTY JOHNS<\/p>\n<p>Who wins game one and why: New South Wales to win Game 1. The home ground advantage and faster tempo will suit the Blues.<\/p>\n<p>Final score: NSW 28-18 QLD<\/p>\n<p>Man of the match: Nathan Cleary<\/p>\n<p>Man of the series: Nathan Cleary<\/p>\n<p>COOPER CRONK<\/p>\n<p>Who wins game one and why: QLD to win. If they start well and dominate possession, Harry Grant will steer the Maroons to victory with a masterclass performance.<\/p>\n<p>Final score: NSW 16-24 QLD<\/p>\n<p>Man of the match: Harry Grant<\/p>\n<p>Man of the series: Harry Grant<\/p>\n<p>LUKE KEARY<\/p>\n<p>Who wins game one and why: Blues to win. Cleary, Robson and Tedesco straight through the middle of QLD.<\/p>\n<p>Final score: NSW 26-12 QLD<\/p>\n<p>Man of the match: Nathan Cleary<\/p>\n<p>Man of the series: Reece Walsh<\/p>\n<p>BRYAN FLETCHER<\/p>\n<p>Who wins why: NSW win Game 1 because we have selected the right players in the right positions that suit Origin.<\/p>\n<p>Final score: NSW 22-10 QLD<\/p>\n<p>Man of the match: Hudson Young<\/p>\n<p>Man of the series: Nathan Cleary<\/p>\n<p>READ MORE<\/p>\n<p>FOLLOW LIVE:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com.au\/nrl\/state-of-origin\/state-of-origin-2026-live-game-1-score-updates-nsw-blues-v-queensland-maroons-teams-video-highlights-final-result-news-stats\/news-story\/e74b022bdc0a6f7dbda7dd2aa28eb855\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"> Maroons icon\u2019s stunning rap for rookie halfback Sam Walker<\/a><\/p>\n<p>START TIME: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com.au\/nrl\/state-of-origin\/state-of-origin-2026-start-time-what-time-does-game-1-between-nsw-blues-and-queensland-maroons-start-kickoff-time-full-schedule\/news-story\/1a9d59ddfbc3a2c096351cff7d5d503f\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">When will the game actually kick off?<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com.au\/newsletter-sign-up?utm_source=NRLArticle&amp;utm_medium=TextLink&amp;utm_campaign=signup\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up now!!!<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&#8216;Edwards might have some extra fire&#8217; | 01:23<\/p>\n<p>BRAITH ANASTA<\/p>\n<p>Who wins why: The wet conditions will suit the Blues at Accor Stadium. If Tedesco and Robson can make inroads through the middle of the field, NSW will go one up in the series.<\/p>\n<p>Final score: NSW 18-10 QLD<\/p>\n<p>Man of the match: James Tedesco<\/p>\n<p>Man of the series: Nathan Cleary<\/p>\n<p>GORDEN TALLIS<\/p>\n<p>Who wins game one and why: Queensland win tonight. The experience of Grant and Munster in the spine will get the Maroons over the line.<\/p>\n<p>Final score: NSW 16-22 QLD<\/p>\n<p>Man of the match: Harry Grant<\/p>\n<p>Man of the series: Kalyn Ponga<\/p>\n<p>NATHAN HINDMARSH<\/p>\n<p>Who wins game one and why: The Blues will be too good for the Maroons. The Raiders\u2019 combination of Ethan Strange and Hudson Young on the left edge will prove the difference.<\/p>\n<p>Final score: NSW 18-14 QLD<\/p>\n<p>Man of the match: Hudson Young<\/p>\n<p>Man of the series: Nathan Cleary<\/p>\n<p>MICK ENNIS<\/p>\n<p>Who wins game one and why: NSW to win. The kicking game of Nathan Cleary in wet weather conditions will be key. In a low scoring game that will be the difference.<\/p>\n<p>Final score: NSW 14-12 QLD<\/p>\n<p>Man of the match: Hudson Young<\/p>\n<p>Man of the series: Nathan Cleary<\/p>\n<p>Daley rules out Moses after hammy tweak | 12:43<\/p>\n<p>KEVIN WALTERS<\/p>\n<p>Who wins game one and why: QLD. The bench rotation is crucial. Fa\u2019asuamaleaui and Flegler rotating with Collins and Carrigan. Too big, too strong \u2013 the QLD spine will take advantage of that.<\/p>\n<p>Final score: NSW 14-16 QLD<\/p>\n<p>Man of the match: Harry Grant<\/p>\n<p>Man of the series: Harry Grant<\/p>\n<p>BILLY MOORE<\/p>\n<p>Who wins game one and why: Queenslander! We have got the experience to lead through the middle and the X-factor to take advantage of that.<\/p>\n<p>Final score: NSW 14-22 QLD<\/p>\n<p>Man of the match: Kalyn Ponga<\/p>\n<p>Man of the series: Harry Grant<\/p>\n<p>STEVE \u2018BLOCKER\u2019 ROACH<\/p>\n<p>Who wins game one and why: NSW win by seven. Cleary\u2019s kicking game in wet conditions will put QLD in a corner and they\u2019ll battle to get out of their own end. With Moses out Cleary can take control and Strange can focus on running the ball.<\/p>\n<p>Final score: NSW 17-10 QLD<\/p>\n<p>Man of the match: Nathan Cleary<\/p>\n<p>Man of the series: Nathan Cleary<\/p>\n<p>BRENT READ<\/p>\n<p>Who wins why: Queensland &#8211; they have a more stable side and the brilliance of Billy Slater in the coaches\u2019 box.<\/p>\n<p>Final score: NSW 10-20 QLD<\/p>\n<p>Man of the match: Kalyn Ponga<\/p>\n<p>Man of the series: Who else but my man KP! #teamponga<\/p>\n<p>ULTIMATE GUIDE: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com.au\/nrl\/state-of-origin\/state-of-origin-2026-nsw-blues-vs-qld-maroons-game-1-start-time-teams-odds-sydney-weather-how-to-watch-who-is-the-favourite\/news-story\/26ebef5ffb2b81899e67dab42e317410\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Everything you need to know ahead of the 2026 State of Origin series<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Cam Munster previews Origin one! | 04:56<\/p>\n<p>PAUL CRAWLEY<\/p>\n<p>Who wins game one and why: NSW to win. While the injury to Mitchell Moses puts even more pressure on Nathan Cleary, I think the champion halfback will respond with a dominant performance to carry the Blues to victory in front of their home crowd.<\/p>\n<p>Final score: NSW 22-18 QLD<\/p>\n<p>Man of the match: Nathan Cleary<\/p>\n<p>Man of the series: Harry Grant<\/p>\n<p>DEAN \u2018BULLDOG\u2019 RITCHIE<\/p>\n<p>Who wins game one and why: Too fast, mobile and strong \u2013 it\u2019s NSW all the way. Watch Nathan Cleary silence his doubters with an epic individual performance.<\/p>\n<p>Final score: NSW 20-12 QLD<\/p>\n<p>Man of the match: Nathan Cleary<\/p>\n<p>Man of the series: James Tedesco<\/p>\n<p>MICHAEL CARAYANNIS<\/p>\n<p>Who wins game one and why: NSW. The style of footy they will play based on their team is obvious. Their ability to shift to their edge will prove too much for the Queensland defence.<\/p>\n<p>Final score: NSW 16-12 QLD<\/p>\n<p>Man of the match: James Tedesco<\/p>\n<p>Man of the series: Hudson Young<\/p>\n<p>GREG ALEXANDER<\/p>\n<p>Who wins game one and why: NSW win at home. Mobile middles with Yeo, Murray, Radley and Tedesco to create enough quick play the balls for Cleary to orchestrate enough points to win.<\/p>\n<p>Final score: NSW 28-22 QLD<\/p>\n<p>Man of the match: James Tedesco<\/p>\n<p>Man of the series: Nathan Cleary<\/p>\n<p>THE FINAL TALLY<\/p>\n<p>Who wins Game 1?<\/p>\n<p>NSW: 11<\/p>\n<p>QLD: 5<\/p>\n<p>Man of the match<\/p>\n<p>Nathan Cleary: 5<\/p>\n<p>Harry Grant: 3<\/p>\n<p>Hudson Young: 3<\/p>\n<p>James Tedesco: 3<\/p>\n<p>Kalyn Ponga: 2<\/p>\n<p>Man of the series <\/p>\n<p>Nathan Cleary: 7<\/p>\n<p>Harry Grant: 4<\/p>\n<p>Kalyn Ponga: 2<\/p>\n<p>Reece Walsh: 1<\/p>\n<p>James Tedesco: 1<\/p>\n<p>Hudson Young: 1<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Fox League\u2019s experts have had their say and it is the NSW Blues who will win Game 1&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":697330,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[43,44,85,41,39,42,40],"class_list":["post-697329","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-headlines","tag-headlines","tag-news","tag-sports","tag-top-news","tag-top-stories","tag-topnews","tag-topstories"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/697329","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=697329"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/697329\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/697330"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=697329"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=697329"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=697329"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}