The Blues have run out victors in Origin 2, with a 26-18 win over Queensland. The game had plenty of controversy, with both sides being denied a try in the late stages.
Unlike the last few years, the game was open, with plenty of line breaks and seven tries.
We now head to Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane for the decider.
Here are The Roar’s player ratings for NSW. Here are the Queensland player ratings.
Josh Dugan 9
The beardy man was everywhere for the Blues. His late try was crucial, but he was also the man most likely throughout the game to do something for the Blues. Deserves one or two Cruisers after that performance.
The Roar’s best on ground in Game 2.
Brett Morris 6.5
In his first game back in Blue from injury, Brett was shaded by his twin Josh. That said, he did enough to secure his spot in Game 3.
Michael Jennings 8
They said he went missing in Game 1. Well, they found him in Game 2. Tagged by Phil Gould in the commentary as the fastest player in the world early in the game, Jennings responded with a crucial try and plenty of other crucial plays.
Picked up the Channel 9 man of the match award and was The Roar’s best on ground, other than people whose names start with Josh D.
http://www.theroar.com.au/2015/06/17/michael-jennings-wins-man-of-the-match-in-origin-2/
Josh Morris 8.5
Greg Inglis may be Superman, but Josh Morris is definitely kryptonite. Not only did Morris keep GI in check, he laid plenty on in attack for the Blues.
William Hopoate 7
Mistake-free performance from Hoppa may have silenced some of the pre-game doubters, but he still seems a shade behind the pre-Mormon safari Hoppa (but more than a finger ahead of Papa Hoppa).
Will keep his place after the win, but plenty in Sydney will be wondering what Alex Johnston needs to do to get a gig.
Mitch Pearce 6.5
Pool ol’ Pearcey. Just when he thinks he has scored the game winner, he gets pulled back for being the recipient of a forward pass. Pearce did enough to secure his spot, but had average ball security all night and was lucky that his loose carry did not lead to a Greg Inglis game winner.
Trent Hodkinson 6.5
Hodkinson – a man who might not actually be the best halfback at his club – did exactly what was required of him for the Blues. Kicked every penalty, put the ball into touch when needed to and even ran the ball on occasion.
Thurston he isn’t, but is the perfect example of a man playing within his skill levels.
Aaron Woods 8
The hairiest man in rugby league again showed why he is the best of the next generation of Blues forwards. A great workload – tackles and runs a-plenty – was capped by a crucial solo try from which the Blues never looked back.
Robbie Farah 7
Nothing flashy given by Farah, but nothing flashy was required. All the talk pre-game was about how Farah needed to play for his team, not for himself. And while he chalked up plenty of good stats, he was definitely the team man today.
James Tamou 7.5
Tamou – throughout his career – constantly looks like a player who should be the best prop in the world. Looks like.
Big, athletic and fast, Tamou has been hit with plenty of “looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane” gibes. Was great for the Blues today.
Beau Scott 6
His task was to keep Thurston quiet and while Scott can’t claim full responsibility, the world’s best playmaker had an average night.
Ryan Hoffman 7.5
Copped a cheap shot from Justin Hodges early, but was tough enough not to stay down and milk a penalty. The series ledger is now 1-1 between Hoffman and Hodges
Paul Gallen 7.5
While Gallen looks older than coach Daley, he is the Blues’ go-to man. Took plenty of hit ups in the final stages of the match to make sure his side didn’t produce a costly error.
Trent Merrin 6
Couldn’t do a lot from the bench, but provided enough spark after being brought on as a replacement in the first half. Yet to truly show his worth at this level.
Boyd Cordner 5
Would be expected to do more, considering the presence of Mitch Pearce in the side.
David Klemmer 7
DK looks like he was built in a lab especially for Origin. Loves the collision and is perfect at this level.
Josh Jackson 5
JJ didn’t see that much action, and would be disappointed after his strong Game 1 performance. That said, JJ did everything expected of him.
Laurie Daley 8
Brought on Merrin at the right time, and catered for injuries to Hoffman and Gallen well. Will be pleased that his troops overcame much of the criticism levelled at them across the series.
Nayfo
Guest
I attended the game last night and My live player ratings had Jennings hands down the best player on the park with Woods closely second. I also just finished re-watching the replay and what the coverage doesn't show is how well Pearce was directing his players around, something I noticed being there. He and Hodkinson both played really well.
catcat
Roar Rookie
Agree with others here Dugan no-look no-pass all night then,got a try was the highlight. Robbie average but in a way this was good as he didn't try to put his stamp on the game with ill-fated grubber kicks into players legs too often or burrowing over the try line at 1m out. So despite all of that NSW did pretty well. The NSW grill (Tamou, woods, Hoffman, gall, klemmer) were awesome. I expect the same team for SOO 3 maybe Gall out with the ribs as its a slow injury to heal.He should be in the moon bed now on the mend.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
So I got it right then. The ultimate clean up man. I like him. I think he will come good for Australia and ahem, NSW.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I'm with you chop he definitely looked like he was doing it tough. At the end of the day the head trainer agreed and pulled him off. Hoffman would have to be dazed to come when someone pulled him off.
Chop
Roar Guru
Hey Gus did you miss the three words before that? IN MY OPINION
Gus Paella
Guest
C'mon. "Clearly looked concussed" what facial expression proves concussion? Hoffy always looks like he's trying to do long division in his head.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
It's always difficult to rate players after a big game, but I really think the Blues forwards should be a little higher. They completely owned the Queensland pack last night. Just absolutely destroyed them. And they seemed to get stronger the longer the game went.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
It really was a great moment, wasn't it! I really have a lot of man-love for Woodsy. He's a legend. And he's only 24 years old!
The Barry
Roar Guru
Not for me for the next couple of days Will. That was one of the great origin moments. I jumped off the couch with a big "WOODSIE!!!" when the big man stepped through and scored. It was right when they needed it as well.
The Barry
Roar Guru
He didn't look well but that inconsistency exists at club level. If you stagger you're gone for the game. If you just look crook you get to have tests and potentially come back on.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Jackson is one of those guys who does everything well without necessarily being a star in any one facet of the game. His front on defence is massive, he call ball play a bit, he's laid on tries with short kicking game. He's played backrow, 5/8, centres and spelled at dummy half. He makes the tough runs when the team is flagging. He runs some good lines with the bulldogs but we haven't seen any of that for NSW so far No doubt he's finding his feet at origin. I thought his defence was good last night. Probably needs to get in and call for the ball a bit more but that's hard for a young bloke coming off the bench in a rep game. He's definitely worth sticking with - he's a gun and will only get better.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Barry, you're the resident Bulldogs expert. What does Jackson bring to Canterbury? He seems to me to be the ultimate clean up man. Everywhere doing everything that no one looks for.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
His shoulder injury probably had a lot to do with that. But that's the risk in picking players injured.
Con Scortis
Roar Guru
Your ratings are definitely more on the money than the experts The Barry. Agree about Farah, his distribution seems very slow.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Hahaha classic Will.... no bias whatsoever.
gavinmorten
Roar Rookie
have to echo everybody on here, Dugan was a liability. great try did not much else. the old "don't change a winning formula" will stop Hoppa from getting dropped but surely Tupou offers more than simply being solid / not making a mistake. my question on Jennings, was last night the first time in his Origin career NSW have spread the ball his way? i seriously cannot recall him ever getting the ball at speed, the last few years they've only kicked (poorly) towards the left
Tiger
Guest
Farah a 7??Barely a 6.. He shouldn't have been there..his injury obviously hampered his performance.. Daley took the gamble and lucky for the Blues in the end Farah's performance didn't affect the final outcome (although two of his missed tackles led to Queensland tries).. As for him not playing for himself..the fact the he played points to him playing for himself..because he didn't want to see anyway playing in his position in case they showed him up!
Chop
Roar Guru
about 10 years to early....
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
Is it too early to start referring to Aaron Woods as "the Ninth Immortal"?
Kirk
Guest
I mostly agree with these ratings. I'm still not sure what Jackson adds though, I have barely seen him in 2 games. Would rather see someone like Frizzel or even Tariq Sims. Or they could go for a utility who can cover the backs and halves. Tamou, Woods, Jennings and Hoffman were NSW best.