NSW Player Ratings for State of Origin 2013 Game 1 at ANZ Stadium
Fullback: Jarryd Hayne – His team needed him at his best and he was. Great try to open the scoring, magnificent in defence – Rating: 8.
Winger: Brett Morris – Little chance to shine in attack, but did his job well on the other side of the ball. Hauled in a vital bomb late in the game to keep the Maroons at bay – Rating: 7.
Centre: Michael Jennings – Brilliant individual try on the stroke of halftime, speed and strength a constant threat – Rating: 7.
Centre: Josh Morris – Kept Greg Inglis largely in check, brilliant cover tackle in the first half denied Darius Boyd a certain try – Rating: 8.
Wing: Blake Ferguson – Knocked on after first run, but coped admirably with aerial pressure thereafter – Rating: 7.
Five-eighth: James Maloney – Excellent debut, kicked well, ran the ball well, kicked three goals but missed one in front of the posts – Rating: 7.
Halfback: Mitchell Pearce – Did everything expected from him, strong in defence and kicking much improved on previous years – Rating: 7.
Prop: Paul Gallen – Another huge Origin display from the skipper, clocked up huge metres, led from the front, and started a stink. On report for striking – Rating: 8.
Hooker: Robbie Farah – Tireless display, tackled his heart out. Now such a vital part of his team – Rating: 8.
Prop: James Tamou – Dropped a simple pass in the first half. Not as impressive as last year, but made some big runs – Rating: 6.
2nd Row: Luke Lewis – Outstanding. Ran the ball brilliantly, inside pass set up Hayne’s try, always involved. Man of the match – Rating: 9.
2nd Row: Ryan Hoffman – Workmanlike as ever. Did his job in his usual unfussy way – Rating: 7.
Lock: Greg Bird – Made a vital one-on-one steal on Sam Thaiday late on when Queensland were in good territory. Born for Origin – Rating: 8.
Interchange:
Andrew Fifita – Impressive debut. Bent the line with his first run and looked well at home in the cauldron-like environment – Rating: 8.
Trent Merrin – Solid when called upon. Put Cameron Smith on his back following a strong run – Rating: 7.
Josh Reynolds – Had the best seat in the house after not coming off the bench for his debut – Rating: N/A.
Anthony Watmough – Worked hard, with his mobility a huge factor in the dominance from the Blues forwards. Rating – 7.
(with AAP)
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