Origin II man of the match predictions: NRL.com experts have their say

Which player will be the best on field when Queensland face NSW in State of Origin II in Perth on Sunday night? The NRL.com experts have their say.

NRL.com's experts view

Brett Kimmorley (Former NSW halfback)

James Tedesco. Game two is traditionally a more open match with more points scored. A dry track will give Tedesco plenty of open space to do what he does best.

Steve Renouf (Maroons legend)

My predicted man of the match is Maroons skipper Daly Cherry-Evans. He's now had a game to become settled into his role and responsibility as captain and is ready to rise another level.

Margie McDonald (NRL.com senior reporter)

Tom Trbojevic. He's waited long enough to play football – rehabbing not one, but two hamstring tears. Then he finds himself back in a must-win Origin game, so I'm thinking Turbo feels like this is his chance to make up for all the lost time.

Brett Keeble (NRL.com reporter)

James Tedesco, who should benefit from having the Blues band back together. His combination with James Maloney, Nathan Cleary and Damien Cook was a significant factor in NSW winning the series last year, and Maloney's return has realigned that spine.

Joel Gould (NRL.com reporter)

Kalyn Ponga was a whisker away from man of the match in game one with his two superb passes leading to second-half tries. I expect to see more of Ponga's running game in Perth which should see him shine once more.

Zac Bailey (NRL.com reporter)

James Maloney. After looking dangerous and making several breaks through the middle third of the field in Origin I, the Blues had no link from the middle to their edges. Maloney is the missing link who is a cool and calming influence and will provide early ball to the Blues outside backs when they need it. He'll also bring out the best in his halves partner Nathan Cleary.

Tony Webeck (NRL.com reporter)

Kalyn Ponga may dominate the Origin II highlight reel but Cameron Munster will be at the heart of the Maroons yet again. He was turning Blues defenders inside and out like Wally Lewis in Game One and will take another step in his ascension to becoming the next king of Origin.

Brad Walter (NRL.com senior reporter)

James Maloney is a big game player with a winning record and he will steer NSW to victory.

Chris Kennedy (NRL.com reporter)

Jake Trbojevic. He is now arguably the Blues' most important forward and is set for at least 60 minutes in the middle where his incredible work rate, defence and ball playing will prove the difference.

Lone Scout (NRL Fantasy expert)

Cameron Munster is the best half from either team and can create havoc with his running and passing game. One or two plays can make the difference in Origin and Munster is capable of creating those plays out of nothing.

Maria Tsialis (Big League editor)

The man of the match will be James Maloney, whose never-say-die attitude will lift his state to victory.

Corey Rosser (NRL.com reporter)

I wouldn't be at all surprised to see recalled winger Blake Ferguson run for upwards of 150 metres and earn man of the match honours.

Mary Konstantopoulos (Ladies Who League)

Player of the match will be Tom Trbojevic. He was incredible in Manly's win over the Dragons and has a point to prove coming back from injury.