Was it all Paul Gallen for New South Wales? Damned close. He’s been spotted this morning running laps of ANZ Stadium wearing weights. The man is a machine. All the player ratings from State of Origin game two player after NSW levelled the series.
1. Anthony Minichello
The “Count” was not mucking around when he told Sticky Stuart if he was ‘good to go’. It was Mini of old, bouncing off players like a pinball and taking some tough inside balls up the middle. Only blemish was bombing that try in the first half. 8/10
2. Jarryd Hayne
Did nothing wrong in his return to Origin. Worked hard coming out of NSW’s end. Also had some uncharacteristically quick play the balls. 7/10
3. Will Hopoate
What about that try?! Strong on debut before he got injured in the 2nd half. If there is a God young Will probably owes him more than 2 years of service for the gifts He gave him. 8/10
4. Mark Gasnier
Actually had some quality ball in Game 2 and made a few half breaks. Could Origin 3 be his representative swansong? 6/10
5. Akuila Uate
Clone this man! I was on the edge of my seat every time he touched the ball.
He has silenced a lot of critics thus far and can only get better. His bull like charges and strong defence were a definite Game 2 highlight. 9/10
6. Jamie Soward
His kicking game came to the fore when it mattered. He was more involved from the get-go and his gift try to Mini at the death only highlighted the risk he poses for the Cane Toads when he takes on the line. 8/10
7. Mitchell Pearce
They must have had magic mirrors in the Blues’ change room because he thought he weighed 20 kgs more. Very strong in defence, forced a mistake out of Thaiday at a crucial time in the game. Played more direct in Game 2 and his combo with Mini was a bonus. 8/10
8. Paul Gallen (c)
A real captain’s knock. At one stage I thought there were 3 of him out there. Will probably go down as one of the best players never to win a premiership… sorry Sharkies’ fans. 9/10
9. Michael Ennis
He was his usual pestering self. Strong in defence and dangerous in attack. 7/10
10. Tim Mannah
Played strongly without standing out. Has an uncanny knack for quick play the balls. 7/10
11. Beau Scott
Set the NSW benchmark for defence. Doesn’t care for reputations and loves a bit of niggle. 8/10
12. Ben Creagh
Runs a lot like 400m freak Michael Johnson only slightly slower. Strong charges and heavy defence from a bloke that seems to have been around for ages. 7/10
13. Greg Bird
I think I remember him touching the ball a few times, and on a winning team that gets him points. 6/10
14. Trent Merrin
Same as Bird; seemed to struggle to make an impact/ 6/10
15. Kurt Gidley
Provided real spark when he came on for Innis and also when he switched to the centres. Silenced some critics. 8/10
16. Anthony Watmough
Appears to be an absolute menace off the field and this transfers to on the field as well. He did exactly what I hoped and expected him to do, run hard and tackle hard. His quick feet around the ruck is phenomenal. 8/10
17. Luke Lewis
There must be a fountain of youth at the foot of the Blue Mountains. This bloke is ageless. I swear he’s 37. Big game player and a nice bloke to boot. 8/10
Queensland
Were they even out there? Up the BLUES!!
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