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We rate the performances of every player who took the field in Wednesday night’s State of Origin clash in Melbourne.
New South Wales
1. James Tedesco
Safe at the back and busy coming out of his own end as always. 7/10
2. Brian To’o
After an error-prone start to Origin I, the Panthers winger was much more solid in the first half tonight. Full-length stretch in his in-goal defused a dangerous Sam Walker grubber. 7
3. Tolutau Koula
Back in his familiar centre role after impressing on the wing in game one. Ran the ball strongly down the left and made a couple of key tackles under pressure. 7
4. Kotoni Staggs
Was on the spot to score the first try of the game and defended his right edge well. Made a couple of errors inside his own half and held up a pass too long when an early ball could have set up a second Mark Nawaqanitawase try. 5
5. Mark Nawaqanitawase
The Roosters excitement machine did not take long to make an impact in his first Origin, grabbing a loose ball after a Tom Flegler error then offloading to Staggs for the game’s first try. Then scored one himself and almost had another with an acrobatic leap for the corner. 8
6. Mitchell Moses
Took over the bulk of the general play kicking duties in his return to the team, almost setting up Nawaqanitawase with a dangerous bomb midway through the half. 7
7. Nathan Cleary
Created the game’s second try, grubbering into the defensive line, regathering the ball and whipping a terrific long pass to Nawaqanitawase. Converted that try from the sideline, then created a half break with an early shift to Staggs down the right. 7.5
8. Payne Haas
Back with a bang after missing Origin I due to injury, Haas produced several big runs in the first half as the Blues started much better through the middle than they did in game one. 7
9. Reece Robson
Not a run threat out of dummy half yet but his service was good. 6
10. Mitchell Barnett
Made a great early tackle on Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and was the Blues’ busiest defender early on. 7
11. Hudson Young
Always looked dangerous down the left edge with several tough carries and an offload. 7
12. Dylan Lucas
The Origin debutant was solid in an unfamiliar right edge role, though he missed a tackle on Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow in the lead-up to Queensland’s first try. 5
13. Isaah Yeo
Rock solid as always, leading the Blues pack for carries with some nice footwork up the middle and had no missed tackles in the first half. 7
14. Cameron Murray
The Souths skipper again made an immediate impact off the bench with tough runs and rapid play-the-balls. Flawless in defence. 7
15. Victor Radley
Came on late in the half and was penalised twice for high tackles, and put on report for one of them. 5
16. Addin Fonua-Blake
Yet to take the field.
17. Apisai Koroisau
Yet to take the field.
18. Ethan Strange
Yet to take the field.
19. Jack Bostock
Yet to take the field.
Queensland
1. Kalyn Ponga
Outstanding under the high ball again but was fairly well contained by the Blues. 6/10
2. Selwyn Cobbo
Picked up where he left in Origin 1 with several strong carries and made a try-saving tackle on Nawaqanitawase. 7
3. Robert Toia
Was also well contained by the Blues but went within a whisker of scoring his team’s second try. 6
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
Opportunities were few and far between until he made the clean break that led to the Maroons’ try. 6.5
5. Jojo Fifita
Solid defensive effort but struggled to make an impact with the ball. 6
6. Cameron Munster
Asked plenty of questions of the defence with his strength and guile until forced off with a HIA. 7
7. Sam Walker
Played a leading hand in the Maroons’ only try, but his kicking game was a mixed bag. 6.5
8. Thomas Flegler
Simple handling error from a kick-off gifted the Blues the opening try, but otherwise solid in his 15-minute stint. 5.5
9. Harry Grant
The highlight of a busy first half was linking with Munster to help set up the Maroons’ first try. 7
10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
Playing his first game since the death of his beloved father, Fereti, the giant-rower got through a mountain of work, especially with the ball. 7
11. Briton Nikora
Solid enough first shift in his second Origin match. 5.5
12. Kurt Capewell
Typically steady performance by the veteran Maroons workhorse. 6
13. Reuben Cotter
Played 35 minutes after having to return to the field after Munster’s HIA. Sound performance as always. 6
14. Max Plath
Came on in the 22nd minute and made an immediate impact, throwing the final (very clever) pass for Loiero’s try. 6
15. Lindsay Collins
Entered the fray in the 20th minute and only had a short but solid stint. 5
16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
Yet to take the field.
17. Trent Loiero
Replaced Flegler in the 16th minute and produced a big shot on Haas soon after and also backed up well to score the Maroons’ try. 6
18. Reece Walsh
Yet to take the field.
19. Murray Taulagi
Yet to take the field.
Phil Mitchell is a desk editor at The Sydney Morning Herald.
