Player ratings: Who flew and who flopped in State of Origin game II

IT was a topsy-turvy match and definitely a close one as NSW edged Queensland to take out Origin II and the series. We look at who flew and who flopped at ANZ Stadium.

Matt Logue

less than 2 min read

June 25, 2018 - 1:45PM

NSW won the match and the series but how did individuals perform?

Blues

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MATCH: Triumphant Blues reclaim shield in a nailbiter
BUZZ ANALYSIS: Hunt’s ANZ Stadium nightmare
PLAYER RATINGS: Who flew and who flopped?
CRAWLEY FILES: Fittler’s Blues seize the moment
FUTURE? Rep footy a winner and so is one ref
HUGE SPRAY: Thurston gives it to failed Maroons
ORIGIN BUNKER: Tune in to see experts dissect Origin II
OPINION: Blues did a Queensland on Queensland

IT was a topsy-turvy match and definitely a close one as NSW edged Queensland to take out Origin II and the series.

We look at who flew and who flopped at ANZ Stadium, with NSW’s forwards struggling to dominate the Maroons like they did in game one.



James Tedesco 7 Busy, safe and set up a decisive second-half try to Mitchell.	FULLBACK	Billy Slater 8 The best fullback we’ve seen delivered a brilliant Origin performance. He tested the Blues’ defence every time he touched the football, while he played a hand in two tries.
Tom Trbojevic 7 Came off his wing, opening the door for Queensland to score the first try. He responded with strong defence in the second half.	WING	Valentine Holmes 7 The Sharks star scored the Maroons’ opening try and sparked his side with sheer speed.
Latrell Mitchell 6 Gave away two silly penalties and produced mixed defence, but made amends with a try.	CENTRE	Greg Inglis 7 Barnstorming with the ball in hand.
James Roberts 5 Had limited chances in attack and got exposed in defence on a number of occasions. His sin-binning the second half was silly.	CENTRE	Will Chambers 6 A mixed night. A few defensive decisions cost his side, but he scored a try.
Josh Addo-Carr 7 Scored a sensational solo try in the first half and defended strongly.	WING	Dane Gagai 7 Scored a great try in the first-half and made a host of tough carries.
James Maloney 8 Mr Cool Cat delivered another composed performance to steer the Blues to a series victory.	5/8	Cameron Munster 7 The Storm five-eighth looked like he had spiders on him at times, but failed to deliver the killer blow.
Nathan Cleary 7 Reliable and calm under pressure in attack and defence. Produced a brilliant try saving tackle on Holmes in the second half.	H/BACK	Ben Hunt 5 A disappointing performance which was highlighted when he conceded a penalty try for obstructing Boyd Cordner in the first half.
David Klemmer 7 Made 87 metres and 20 tackles and helped the Blues get on the front foot.	PROP	Dylan Napa 7 A much improved performance from the Roosters’ big man.
Damien Cook 7 Lacked the spark of Origin I, but provided solid service and speed when it mattered. He also defended well with 41 tackles.	HOOKER	Andrew McCullough 6 Strong work rate, but didn’t have the spark in attack.
Matt Prior 6 It was an impressive debut from the veteran prop. Worked hard, making 23 tackles.	PROP	Jarrod Wallace 6 Tried hard, but didn’t dent the line back.
Boyd Cordner 7 A solid captain’s knock. Ran for 117 metres and was awarded a crucial first-half penalty try.	2ND ROW	Gavin Cooper 6 Workmanlike without providing an X-factor.
Tyson Frizell 6 He wasn’t as effective on the edge as he normally is.	2ND ROW	Felise Kaufusi 7 The Maroons’ best forward. Produced a heap of metres and plenty of tackles.
Jack De Belin 7 Never stopped working in defence and attack, while he forced a vital error out of Dragons teammate Ben Hunt in the second half.	LOCK	Josh Mcguire 6 Big hits and a big mouth. Led the way as Queensland’s enforcer.
Paul Vaughan 6 Strong contributor when on the field.	I/CHANGE	Kalyn Ponga 7 Played in the middle and showcased his class with a host of sublime touches.
Jake Trbojevic 7 Came off the bench and delivered. 105 metres and 31 tackles.	I/CHANGE	Josh Papalii 6 Hard to criticise his effort with limited chances in attack.
Angus Crichton 5 He received limited chances to contribute.	I/CHANGE	Coen Hess 5 He didn’t have a major influence.
Tyrone Peachey 3 Only came on the field late in the second half.	I/CHANGE	Jai Arrow 4 Only received limited minutes off the bench and failed to make a major impact.
108	TOTAL	107