Player ratings: Kalyn Ponga and Cameron Munster fire for QLD
It’s been hailed as a new era for the Maroons, and two young guns in particular showed in Game One that we’re in for exciting times. Check out GREG DAVIS’ player ratings here.
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It was a stunning victory for the Maroons with a second half comeback that had to be seen to be believed.
Check out our player ratings below.
1. KALYN PONGA 9
Just save time and do his statue now. How’s this for a stat line for just your SECOND game of Origin - Two try assists, 125 running metres, five tackle breaks, two offloads, two linebreak assists, one linebreak and two sideline conversions for one absolute blinder. The passes for the tries to Oates and Gagai were top shelf. What a freak.
2. COREY OATES 7.5
Loves scoring tries at Suncorp Stadium as much as he loves the rule about corner posts not being part of touch. Showed no regard for his safety with some tough angled runs early. Brilliant finish for his four-pointer and could have had a second if not for his heel touching the white stripe.
3. MICHAEL MORGAN 6.5
Understated but combined nicely on left edge with Munster and Oates on the left side of the field when required. One of many Maroons to go within a whisker of scoring a try in one of his rare chances. Playing out of position but did his job. Did not let Queensland down.
4. WILL CHAMBERS 6
Bombed a try in the first half after a Munster break when he ignored Gagai, went himself and threw a silly pass early in the tackle count. Loves those silly grubber kicks too much too. But did a rock-solid defensive job on Mitchell to negate the supposed wunderkid. That was important.
5. DANE GAGAI 8.5
Two tries and a lazy 256 running metres. Imagine what he would have done if Chambers passed the ball to him more. Another outstanding display from a bloke who just loves this stage. The NRL chose the right bloke to appear in the Origin ads because he is money in the bank in a maroon jumper.
6. CAMERON MUNSTER 8.5
Queensland’s best in the first half. Always testing the Blues defence with probing runs or clever passes to his outside men. Had a team-high six tackle breaks, 137 running metres and 20 tackles in a complete and classy display.
7. DALY CHERRY-EVANS (c) 7
Undefeated as Queensland captain. Steered his team around the park like the veteran halfback he is. Did not have to overdo things as Munster and Ponga chimed in with the playmaking duties. A superbly placed kick should have led to a Napa try and finished with 379 kicking metres.
8. JAI ARROW 6.5
Had 20 tackles in no time in his first stint but had just two hit-ups before being replaced. Spent a long time on the bench before ripping and tearing in the run home. 13 hit-ups for 102 metres and 31 tackles.
9. BEN HUNT 7
Produced a whopping 49 tackles in among some clever dummy-half work and a wonderful long range touch finder that put the Maroons deep into attack. Apart from some wonky passes, was not the weak link in no.9 that some expected. Not by a long shot. At home in that role at this level.
10. JOSH PAPALII 7
The Maroons needed more from Papa after his first stint of five hit-ups for 47 metres was dwarfed by Klemmer and Vaughan. And he delivered. Produced some bone-rattlers in the second half when the Maroons belted the Blues coming out of their own territory. 128 metres and 23 tackles for the big unit.
11. FELISE KAUFUSI 7
Everything he does looks extra spectacular with that hair flying everywhere (Sam Thaiday style). Bent the Blues defensive line with his fearless charges and tackled strongly all night. Part of that lethal Queensland left edge that gave the Blues hell.
12. MATT GILLETT 7
Was quiet in attack early with just two runs in the first half for just 18 metres. But in his comeback Origin match, he lifted in the second half with the kind of efforts that don’t show up on the stat sheet. Great kick chases, charge downs and extra physicality in defence that put the Blues on the back foot.
13. JOSH McGUIRE 7.5
The sort of bloke who would have picked a fight with Mother Teresa. Ramped up the niggle in the second half to spark his teammates. Did not take a liking to Cameron Murray especially. Had 46 tackles and 102 running metres in the middle of the ground. Tough stuff.
14. MOSES MBYE 5
Did not get thrown into the fray until very late in the match. Had 10 tackles including a potential match-saver in the dying minutes when the Blues were pressing hard and trying to do a Queensland on Queensland. Critical cameo.
15. JOE OFAHENGAUE 6
Smokin’ Joe did Smokin’ Joe things when he was thrust into the contest in the first half just like he does for the Broncos. Had 54 running metres and nine tackle by halftime. Finished with 97 running metres and 15 tackles before an injury forced him off. Up to this level.
16 DYLAN NAPA 6
Big Papi blew a certain try when he failed to ground the ball after a Cherry-Evans/Goalpost kick combo. Just fall on the ball, bro. Had 11 hit-ups for 81 metres in a relatively quiet night for him coming off the bench.
17. DAVID FIFITA 6.5
Is he the new Raging Bull or the young Carl Webb? It’s hard to keep up with all the comparisons. Rode the bench in the first half but got busy early when he was given his chance in the 48th minute. Had five quick hit-ups to give his mates a breather. Had a total of 83 running metres from 12 runs. Then kid can go.
Originally published as Player ratings: Kalyn Ponga and Cameron Munster fire for QLD
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