This was published 7 years ago
State of Origin 2017, Game Two: How the QLD Maroons rated
By Phil Lutton
1. Billy Slater
Emptied the tank, was given plenty of treatment in defence and rose to the top when his team needed him most.The Kid is back 8/10
2. Valentine Holmes
Dropped it first touch when hammered by Woods but finished superbly for the Maroons first try. Solid debut, needed to hunt for more ball. 6.5
Game-winner: Dane Gagai was superb for Queensland.Credit: Getty Images
3. Will Chambers
Poor read was costly as the Blues scored their first try but worked overtime to get his side some territory. KOed himself trying to lift his team in defence. 7
4. Darius Boyd
Never looked out of place in the centres and set up Holmes to open the scoring for his side. Didn't do a lot wrong after that. 7
5. Dane Gagai
Big workload once again and loves the tough carries. Deserved his second half tries and then some. Top-shelf footballer. 9
6. Johnathan Thurston
Was terrorised by Frizell, took a shoulder knock and was a miracle he stayed on to kick the winning goal. The legend continues. 8
7. Cooper Cronk
Schemed, organised, found some second half space only to be chopped down. Just a rock for the Maroons. 8
8. Dylan Napa
The Maroons looked in the physical contest when he was on the park. His second-half stint turned the tide in the middle. Big. Mean. Yep. 8.5
9. Cameron Smith
Worked himself into the ground, urging Queensland on when they looked spent. Can claim a big part of a famous victory. 8
10. Jarrod Wallace
Played the first 22 minutes and wasn't seen after that. Anyone? Jarrod? 4
11. Gavin Cooper
Strong early involvement in defence but that drained him. Got going in the second half but didn't have a fit Thurston to put him through gaps. 7.5
12. Matt Gillett
Came to life in the second half when Queensland could sense a victory. Produced some solid hits to help give his side momentum late. 7
13. Josh McGuire
Can't fault his commitment to the cause. Never shirked his duty in the guts and with Napa was Queensland's best forward. 8
14. Michael Morgan
Had some impact when he came on in the first half and almost had a try at 40-minute mark when held up by Josh Dugan. Huge late 7.5
15. Josh Papalii
Chugged his way around the middle of the park like a tugboat among battleships. Limited impact but was a big body deep into the game when Queensland needed bulk 6
16. Coen Hess
Finally got a gallop in the final 20 minutes and this only looks the start. Will see more minutes in Brisbane. 6
17. Tim Glasby
Saw early game time but a poor miss on James Maloney was costly, then came up with another bad read as Pearce scored. Tricky debut. 5