State of Origin 1: Five things we learned

QUEENSLAND won the first Origin clash 6-4 to take a one-nil lead in the series but coach Kevin Walters faces a number of issues in coming weeks.

Greg Inglis a handful at times but clearly Kevin Walters could do with a bigger input from his big centre.

QUEENSLAND won the first Origin clash 6-4 to take a one-nil lead in the series but coach Kevin Waltes faces a number issues in coming weeks.

1. Former Queensland coach Mal Meninga’s biggest strength was instilling an insatiable desire for victory in the Maroons jersey. Just how the players would respond to new coach Kevin Walters was the great unknown, however Queensland was ruthless until the final whistle last night. They tackled their hearts out and defended their line like they did during the decade of dominance.

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2. Walters is facing the same conundrum his predecessor Mal Meninga did — how does he get the best out of Greg Inglis?

How does Kevin Walters get the best out of Greg Inglis?

Inglis went back to left centre, where he has played most of his 28 Origins, but was once again quiet. Inglis had just three runs in the first half and was well contained by his kryptonite Josh Morris.

3. Darius Boyd vindicated Walters’ decision to select him ahead of Inglis at fullback with a fantastic performance. In greasy conditions, Boyd just made one error, ran for more than 170m and made the only genuine linebreak of the game off a slick inside pass from Johnathan Thurston. Boyd now truly is the best fullback in the NRL.

4. Maroons veteran Nate Myles went into his 30th Origin game on the back of poor club form, and he may be fighting to save his spot.

Nate Myles position could come into question. Pic Peter Wallis

Myles was solid in the opening 20 minutes, especially defensively, but he didn’t return to the field for a second stint until the final three minutes. Walters is likely to stay loyal after the win, but Myles will know he must lift.

5. Cooper Cronk was well below his best, with the lack of preparation due to an ankle injury clearly affecting the Maroons maestro.

Cooper Cronk not up to his usual high standard but got the job done.

Cronk carried a badly bruised ankle into the game and he was exposed defensively by Blues backrower Boyd Cordner. He was tenacious though and did what was needed.