State of Origin player ratings: Who starred, who struggled?
THE Maroons have taken a giant step towards winning the State of Origin series but who were the stars and who struggled? Check out our player ratings.
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STATE of Origin 1 has been run and won — but who starred and who struggled on rugby league’s biggest stage?
Check out our Game One player ratings.
QUEENSLAND
1 — Darius Boyd … 8.5
Very safe at the back and extremely cool under pressure. Was easily Queensland’s best on field and proved to be one of most reliable players of the night as he was kept busy by NSW. Good to see him in the No. 1 jersey.
Key stat: Ran for 165m off 15 runs.
2 — Corey Oates … 6
Had two knock-ons ruled against him and was well contained in the first half. He barely had a chance to impress as he was swarmed by Blues defence. However, he was able to step up in the second half and make the metres when the forwards were falling behind.
Key stat: Three tackle busts.
3 — Greg Inglis … 5.5
Did not see much ball in the first half and was unable to make much of an impact throughout. However, he stayed solid in defence with zero missed tackles.
Key stat: 17 tackles.
4 — Justin O’Neill … 7
Ran strongly on debut and was one of the better backs for Queensland, particularly in the first half. Threw a well-timed pass to Dane Gagai for a try right before half-time.
Key stat: 11 runs for 75m.
5 — Dane Gagai … 7
Scored Queensland’s only try and ran well all night. Led the run metres for Queensland in the first half and was explosive when the Maroons needed it most.
Key stat: Team best of 20 runs.
6 — Johnathan Thurston … 7
In an uncharacteristic performance, Thurston was fairly quiet. We did not see any flashes of brilliance from him but he managed the game well and had a sharper kicking game than Cronk.
Key stat: 10 kicks for 185m.
7 — Cooper Cronk … 6.5
Similar to his halves partner, Cronk had a quiet first half but was there when he was needed. His composure always helps Queensland in tight games.
Key stat: 11 tackles.
8 — Matt Scott … 6
Like the majority of Queensland forwards, he tried his best but was fairly well contained early on. Definitely made a much bigger impact upon his return in the second half.
Key stat: One offload.
9 — Cameron Smith … 7
Led the tackle count for the nearly the entire match and was his usual consistent self. Always a great leader for Queensland when they need it and helped guide them to the win.
Key stat: 49 tackles.
10 — Nate Myles … 4
In fairness to Myles, he did not produce the Origin performance that we are used to from him but not many forwards did. However, it was certainly not good enough to guarantee him a starting jersey come Game Two. Had limited game time.
Key stat: Eight runs for 70m and only 19 tackles.
11 — Matt Gillett … 8
Was one of Queensland’s most consistent forwards. Saw plenty of ball and was solid in defence. Tried his hardest to help Queensland’s halves break through.
Key stat: 36 tackles.
12 — Sam Thaiday … 6
Did not run as hard as he usually does and made a couple of crucial errors, but was one of Queensland’s best defensive forwards. However, he needs to stop trying to be a playmaker.
Key stat: Two errors.
13 — Corey Parker … 7
Made 16 runs for 146m, one offload and 29 tackles. Did exactly what is expected of him and was as consistent and reliable as always.
Key stat: Made 146m.
14 — Michael Morgan … 4
Played for 20 minutes before Klemmer ran all over him and he had to be taken from the field. In his short time, he made an immediate impact in defence but did not get to contribute much to Queensland’s attack.
Key stat: Six tackles.
15 — Josh McGuire … 5
Came on just after the 20-minute mark but appeared to be struggling with fitness and was constantly taking his time to get onside. He ran much harder in the second half but did not look like his usual self.
Key stat: 30 tackles.
16 — Aidan Guerra … 4.5
He was good without being a game changer. It was definitely an improvement from his form with the Roosters.
Key stat: 17 tackles and just one missed.
17 — Josh Papalii … 7
Was left rattled after making a tackle on Paul Gallen right before half-time but came roaring into the second half. Notched up some strong runs and put on a couple of big hits.
Key stat: Ran for 106m.
NSW
1 — Matt Moylan … 6.5
Had a mixed performance. He ran really well and looked solid in patches but made a few errors as the game unravelled. It should be enough for him to retain his jersey.
Key stat: Ran for a NSW best of 129m.
2 — Blake Ferguson … 5
Racked up the metres but spent more time indulging in some push and shove with Queensland’s backs than actually contributing to the game. Also had communication issues with Moylan.
Key stat: Made 16 runs.
3 — Michael Jennings … 4.5
Jennings made a few flashy runs but it was nothing that Maroons debutant Justin O’Neill could not handle.
Key stat: One tackle bust.
18 — Josh Morris … 4
An error-riddled performance from the Blues centre. However, he did play a part in keeping Greg Inglis quiet which is always useful.
Key stat: 15 tackles.
5 — Josh Mansour … 6.5
Like Jennings, he had some exciting moments and showed Queensland how good he can be on his feet. A pretty good debut from the Penrith star.
Key stat: Made five tackle busts.
6 — James Maloney … 7
Had a very questionable passing game and left most of the attacking duties to his halves partner, Adam Reynolds in the first forty. But he was far more involved in the second stanza and ended up the stronger NSW half overall.
Key stat: Only two kicks for 40m.
7 — Adam Reynolds … 6
Gave away two early penalties and was at risk of overplaying his hand early on. However he did not do enough to make a great impact.
Key stat: 17 tackles.
8 — Aaron Woods … 8
Came out firing and was one of the Blues’ best all night. He definitely deserved more game time.
Key stat: 13 runs for 101m.
9 — Robbie Farah … 8
Farah is never afraid to get involved and he showed that again. He led the tackle count for NSW and contributed strongly to their kicking game but could have done more in attack.
Key stat: 43 tackles
15 — James Tamou … 5.5
He added some impact off the bench in the second half but had limited game time compared to some of the other Blues forwards. Needs to keep it simple in the future.
Key stat: Only one missed tackle.
11 — Boyd Cordner … 7.5
Ran hard all night, including a particularly memorable steamroll of Cooper Cronk to score the first try of the match. Along with Woods, he was one of the better forwards of the night.
Key stat: Made 119m.
12 — Josh Jackson … 6
He is not the flashiest forward on the field, but he does enough to get the job done.
Key stat: 29 tackles.
10 — Paul Gallen … 7
Played like he does every Origin. Was a good leader for the Blues, made plenty of metres and even more tackles. And, in true Gallen style, made a few cheap shots as well.
Key stat: Ran for 125m.
13 — Greg Bird … 7
For all his antics, you have to give it to Bird — he can put in a good Origin effort.
Key stat: 35 tackles.
14 — Dylan Walker … 3
Came on with 10 minutes to go and was as ineffective as expected. It’s not Walker’s fault, but NSW do need to consider another utility option for Game Two or go with four forwards.
Key stat: One run.
16 — David Klemmer … 4.5
Arrived half an hour into the match and was instantly wrapped up by Parker and Thaiday. Did not bring the desired impact.
Key stat: Made 23 tackles.
17 — Andrew Fifita … 7
When everyone was looking for a forward to up the ante, Fifita was the answer for NSW. Came on in the 45th minute and made a 25m run to announce his arrival. And while he sometimes looked slow, he smashed out the metres for the rest of the match.
Key stat: 12 runs for 102m.
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