State of Origin player ratings: Who starred, who struggled for Maroons?

Queensland’s brave fightback fell agonisingly short as the Maroons crashed to consecutive series defeats. So who stood up and who fell flat in the decider at ANZ Stadium?

A shattered Daly Cherry-Evans reacts after full-time. Picture: Adam Head

Queensland’s brave fightback fell agonisingly short as the Maroons crashed to consecutive series defeats.

So who stood up and who fell flat for the Maroons in the decider at ANZ Stadium?

1. CAMERON MUNSTER — 7

A revelation for 40 minutes. Munster’s left foot step caused headaches for NSW in the first half but the Blues gave him zero chances in the second. Saved a certain try to keep QLD in the contest and never stopped trying.

Cameron Munster never stopped trying for the Maroons. Picture: AAP

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2. COREY OATES — 6

Another brave effort from big Corey. Showed his forwards how to carry with nine thumping hit-ups in the first half and cleaned up plenty of times in back play but will be kicking himself for coughing up possession in a crucial attacking set.

14. MOSES MBYE — 5.5

Started at the eleventh hour and had little impact early before running himself ragged in the second half. Finished up with 115 metres and has a future in Maroon.

4. WILL CHAMBERS — 5.5

Upped his creativity and workrate from Game II but errors still plagued him. One of Queensland’s best early and produce a double highlight of running 40m and falconing Cook. Defensively exposed in the second half with seven missed tackles.

5. DANE GAGAI — 4.5

Indifferent first half and carried a heavy knock from Ado-Carr’s errant knee. Did his best to get back into the game but couldn’t meet the highs of Game I with limited opportunities and space.

6. COREY NORMAN — 5

Eased into the contest before successive kicks set up Queensland’s first try. Horror second half saw him miss a key tackle on Murray and bomb the ball out in a promising position. Showed quality touches at times but was one of many penalised Maroons.

7. DALY CHERRY-EVANS — 5

Why didn’t Cherry take a drop goal? The Queensland skipper had put in a composed showing but should have stepped up to the mark at 20-all and pushed for a matchwinner. Made 28 tackles and laid on a try in a captain’s knock. Could rue not backing himself in the dying seconds though.

A shattered Daly Cherry-Evans reacts after full-time. Picture: Adam Head

8. JOE OFAHENGAUE — 5

Solid if unspectacular effort from Smokin’ Joe. 90 metres in a 42-minute shift and a few big hits, also gave away a penalty. Nothing to write home about.

9. BEN HUNT — 5

40 tackles and 91 metres isn’t bad but Hunt was outclassed by his opposite in the second half. He found space when he decided to back himself but should’ve tried to assert himself earlier. Overall solid series -whether he’s a viable long-term hooker is a different question.

10. JOSH PAPALII — 8

Started strongly with two hit-ups in Queensland’s opening set and was outstanding for his first 25-minute shift. Combined with Ofahengaue for some bone-rattlers and finished with a try and 97 metres from his 47 minutes. Will be vital in next year’s campaign.

11. FELISE KAUFUSI — 5

Scored a try, no missed tackles in first half. Good start. Not a good finish though. Gave away two penalties, made silly errors and ended up with just 17 tackles and 12 runs in 80 minutes. Needed to rise to the occasion.

18. ETHAN LOWE — 8.5

Almost became Queensland’s hero in a stunning debut against the odds. Lowe slotted four from four off the tee, made an astonishing 52 tackles and produced the game-changing chargedown that forced a 20-all deadlock. Looked right at home in Maroon and should be on the radar again next year.

Ethan Lowe was impressive on debut for the Maroons. Picture: Getty Images

13. JOSH MCGUIRE — 7

Wouldn’t you love this man in the slips cordon. McGuire’s niggle never stopped and neither did he. The Cowboys lock racked up 47 tackles and scored a try from nothing to put Queensland back in the contest.

3. MICHAEL MORGAN — 3

Only managed 23 minutes with little impact before copping an accidental elbow from McGuire. Went off for concussion check and didn’t return. Could’ve been a drop-goal option at the death.

15. CHRISTIAN WELCH — 5

Skittled defenders with his first Origin carry and ripped into his 23-minute shift for 63 metres and 17 tackles. Gave away a penalty but showed enough to prove he’ll be important next year

16. TIM GLASBY — 3

Barely sighted. Tasted 13 minutes off the pine and looked well off the pace despite making all 13 of his tackles. Queensland needed more off the bench offensively and Glasby wasn’t quite up to the task.

17. DAVID FIFITA — 3

Didn’t feature in first half. Came on for Morgan in 47th minute. Got 20 minutes overall but like Glasby, didn’t do enough to change the course of the game.