State of Origin I player ratings: First half

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May 27, 2026 — 9:07pm

How we rated the first-half performances of every NSW and Queensland player in the 2026 State of Origin series opener in Sydney.

New South Wales

1. James Tedesco

Ran solidly out of his own end and defused all the bombs aimed his way, but was caught off guard for two tries from grubber kicks from Sam Walker and Cam Munster. 5/10

2. Brian To’o

Led the team for run metres but made three uncharacteristic errors in his own half to gift the Maroons try-scoring chances. 3

3. Stephen Crichton

Lost possession in a play-the-ball coming out of his own end, which led to Queensland’s opening try to his opposite winger Robert Toia. 4

4. Kotoni Staggs

Didn’t get his hands on the ball until the 25 minute mark but was the busiest defender in the back five. 5

5. Tolutau Koula

He’s never played on the wing at NRL level but made a decent fist of it in the first half with some good yardage carries. 6

18. Ethan Strange

Mitch Moses’ replacement at five-eighth didn’t get much to do in attack but flattened rival No.6 Cameron Munster to produce a much-needed turnover, swinging the momentum late in the first half. 7

7. Nathan Cleary

Dominated the kicking game with no Moses, targeting Selwyn Cobbo with bombs early on and putting in a slick no-look grubber for Hudson Young’s try. 7

8. Addin Fonua-Blake

Endured a tough start to his Origin debut, and partly to blame for Queensland finding space down the middle on a few occasions. Had one run in the first 20 minutes before being subbed off. 3

9. Reece Robson

Solid at dummy half and was unlucky to not have a try assist with a neat grubber for Cameron Murray. 7

10. Mitchell Barnett

Defended with aggression early on but produced the first error of the game. 5

11. Hudson Young

Tackled hard, ran hard and chased down Cleary’s grubber for the Blues’ first points. 8

12. Haumole Olakau’atu

Made an impact in defence, twice cutting down Cobbo after a great kick chase, and made a few tackle breaks when given the chance to run. 7

13. Isaah Yeo

The Blues captain led the tackle count and hit-up count early on in a typically strong no-frills performance. 7

14. Cameron Murray

Added some good spark off the bench as the Blues halted Queensland’s momentum. Got to a Reece Robson grubber but knocked on while attempting to score. 8

15. Victor Radley

A surprise selection in the side, Radley came on for his Origin debut after 25 minutes and tried to inject some energy. 6

16. Jacob Saifiti

Yet to take the field. N/A

17. Blayke Brailey

Yet to take the field. N/A

19. Casey McLean

Yet to take the field. N/A

21. Matt Burton

Yet to take the field. N/A

Queensland

1. Kalyn Ponga

Threw a great pass to Cobbo that led to the Maroons’ second try and was outstanding under the high ball. 8/10

2. Selywn Cobbo

Safe under the high ball early in his return to Origin and made the break that put Queensland in position to score their second try. 7

3. Robert Toia

Scored the opening try of the series, winning the race to a Sam Walker kick, and did all that was asked of him defensively as well. 7

4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

Scored his 12th Origin try in only 11 games and played a leading hand in Tom Flegler’s try as well. 7

5. Jojo Fifita

Jojo didn’t quite have his mojo working on debut with limited involvement in the first half. 5

6. Cameron Munster

Laid on the third try, to Tabuai-Fidow, with a great kick. Only blemish was making the Maroons’ first handling error. 7

7. Sam Walker

Dream start to his Origin career, laying on the opening two tries with a trademark pinpoint short kick before putting over Tom Flegler. Also kicked four goals from four attempts. 8

8. Thomas Flegler

Scored a try on his return to Origin after missing two seasons with a career-threatening injury. 6

9. Harry Grant

His dummy-half smarts set up the Maroons’ first two tries. 7

10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

A tower of strength up front as always in his 26 minutes of game time. 6

11. Reuben Cotter

Played the entire first half and didn’t put a foot wrong. 7

12. Kurt Capewell

Conceded a needless penalty that led to the Blues try but otherwise sound. 7

13. Max Plath

Typically industrious display by the Maroons debutant, who led the tackle count for his team. 7