The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

State of Origin Game One: NSW player ratings

23rd May, 2012
42
2236 Reads

Here are our New South Wales player ratings from the first game of the 2012 State of Origin series against Queensland at Etihad Stadium.

NSW Player Ratings

Brett Stewart
The Manly fullback was very solid in his return to Origin, bringing the ball back strongly and good in defence. Well contained in attack by Queensland.
Rating: 7

Jarryd Hayne
Forget fullback or five-eighth, is winger Hayne’s best position? Hayne again had a blinder on the wing for NSW and was strong in defence, quick out of dummy half and dangerous with the ball in hand.
Rating: 8

Michael Jennings
Jennings’ decision to run in and throw a wild haymaker arguably cost NSW the game, as they were flying at that point when he was sin-binned. Did atone when he came back on with some good runs and a try.
Rating: 5

Josh Morris
Was very good in defence against the dangerous Greg Inglis but had little opportunity with the ball.
Rating: 7

Akuila Uate
Was completely exploited by Queensland in defence with some bad reads, but did pop up with NSW’s opening try.
Rating: 5

Todd Carney
Missed two penalties, made a few turnovers and failed to kick the ball into touch. The Cronulla five-eighth had an Origin debut to forget, and fast.
Rating: 3

Advertisement

Mitchell Pearce
Organised NSW well and came into the game more in the later stages.
Rating: 6.5

Trent Merrin
Solid off the bench but with limited minutes.
Rating 6.5

Robbie Farah
Should retain his position at hooker after an impressive performance, making metres out of dummy half, threatening with the ball and almost scoring a try. Showed he is an Origin player.
Rating: 7

Paul Gallen
Another herculean and tireless display from the inspirational NSW captain.
Rating: 8

Glenn Stewart
Worked hard in defence but had little chance to showcase his silky ball-playing skills.
Rating: 6

Luke Lewis
Quiet performance from the Penrith captain who tackled hard but struggled at times to make an impact
Rating: 6

James Tamou
Fantastic debut for the Kiwi-born prop. Took the line on and terrorized the Queensland defenders.
Rating: 8

Advertisement

Greg Bird
Strong in defence and potent in attack, this was a another stoic performance from the Gold Coast lock.
Rating: 7

Tony Williams
Had limited time but was rohbust when he came on in the second half. Will be better for it in Game II with more match fitness.
Rating: 6

Jamie Buhrer
Was hardly sighted in the match with Farah flying. Slipped with his first touch of the ball then came up with a bad pass from dummy half when NSW were camped on the Queensland line in the second half.
Rating: 3.5

Ben Creagh
Struggled to get into the game and may struggle to keep his spot.
Rating: 5

close