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Queensland Maroons player ratings: State of Origin Game 2

Greg Inglis. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
Roar Guru
25th June, 2018
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The Queensland Maroons have lost the 2018 Origin series, falling to the New South Wales Blues by four points at ANZ Stadium on Sunday night. Here are the player ratings from their tight defeat.

1. Billy Slater – 8
Queensland tore apart NSW’s edge defence in the opening stages of the first half and the veteran fullback was a large reason for their success. Slater was highly effective at chiming in and out of sweeping plays, having a hand in the Maroon’s first two tries.

2. Valentine Holmes – 7.5
A strong game from the Cronulla winger means he will keep his spot in Game 3 despite calls for the inclusion of Brisbane flyer Corey Oates. Holmes managed 224 running metres, two line-breaks and five tackle-busts to go with his try in the 12th minute. He was a constant threat in attack and dependable in defence. Queensland may need to find another goal-kicker for next year though.

3. Greg Inglis – 8
Another inspired effort from the Queensland skipper. Inglis ran for just under 200 metres and constantly threatened to expose the Blues’ inexperienced left edge of James Roberts and Tom Trbojevic. While the Maroons may have lost this series, there is no doubt Inglis will retain the captaincy in 2019.

Greg Inglis

(Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

4. Will Chambers – 5.5
Solid in attack but was let down by his decision-making in defence in the lead-up to the tries for Josh Addo-Carr and Latrell Mitchell. Has been a reliable contributor for Queensland in previous years but may have a battle on his hands to retain his position next year.

5. Dane Gagai – 6.5
Ran for 161 metres and scored Queensland’s second try in the 19th minute. Did well to contain Josh Addo-Carr for the majority of the game but was unable to do so when the Blues flyer went over in the 24th minute.

6. Cameron Munster – 7.5
Munster was one of Queensland’s most threatening weapons in attack, with the Blues being forced to work hard to contain the five-eighth. Would have had more chances to test the NSW defence if Ben Hunt took greater responsibility.

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7. Ben Hunt – 4
I have to feel for Hunt, who has copped a fair amount of criticism for his performance. Unfortunately, it’s largely warranted. His kicking game did not build much pressure.

In particular, his decision to kick early on the third tackle when the Blues were down to 12 men was an odd choice. Paid the price for his ill-discipline when the Blues were awarded a penalty try after he took out Blues skipper Boyd Cordner. Will need to step up in Game 3 if he is going to stop Ashley Taylor from snatching his jersey in 2019.

8. Dylan Napa – 6
A solid performance from the Roosters front rower who only managed 35 minutes of game time. Started off strong but Queensland could have used a bit more of his grunt up front. His hit on Boyd Cordner was a beauty.

9. Andrew McCullough – 7
A reliable performer for the Maroons with the Brisbane hooker managing 49 tackles. Have to wonder whether McCullough offers enough creativity. After all, he is replacing arguably the game’s best rake in Cameron Smith. You know what you are going to get from McCullough yet with Hunt struggling, Queensland may need the number nine to take greater responsibility in attack and kick more out of dummy-half.

10. Jarrod Wallace – 5
Didn’t necessarily do anything wrong, but didn’t offer a great deal either. Only had 28 minutes to prove himself. Queensland may benefit more if Wallace is given extra minutes given he is a reliable defender in the middle of the park. Such a short stint is probably better suited to a more explosive forward.

11. Gavin Cooper – 7
It seems to be a consistent theme among Queensland’s forward pack last night. They were solid. However, solid simply is not enough in the Origin arena. The likes of Jack de Belin and David Klemmer provided much-needed grunt and power for the Blues’ pack. Queensland are lacking that energy up front. Cooper ran for 100 metres and finished with 47 tackles in a workmanlike performance and should keep his spot for Game 3.

12. Felise Kaufusi – 6
Like Cooper, Kaufusi worked hard in defence, coming up with 37 tackles. However, he didn’t threaten enough in attack. Kaufusi made a name for himself at Melbourne as one of the best hole-runners in the game yet the defence in Origin is often much stronger. He will need to find another element in his game to threaten the Blues in Game 3.

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13. Josh McGuire – 6.5
A determined first half effort from McGuire, who ran for 69 metres and finished with 27 tackles. He was tough and dependable yet was outplayed by his opposite man in Jack de Belin. His position in the side should not be under threat though.

Josh McGuire

(Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

14. Kalyn Ponga – 7.5
It was his work off the ball that impressed me the most. While Ponga busted the Blues open late in the game, his defence in the middle of the park was just as pleasing. Many questioned how Ponga would be able to insert himself into the game and the choice to throw him in with the big men was a big risk.

However, the Newcastle fullback stood up in defence and consistently threatened every time he touched the ball. He needs to have a greater role in the Maroons side in Game 3, yet it may be tough to find him a spot with Billy Slater set to be selected in the number one jersey.

15. Josh Papalii – 4
The Canberra second-rower failed to have the same impact he had in Game 1. Only managed 31 metres from three runs. Should still hold his position in the squad given what he produced in the opening match.

16. Coen Hess – 5
Was able to insert himself into the game more than Papalii yet has still been unable to replicate his irresistible form from 2017. Hess may need a starting position to really discover his true potential.

17. Jai Arrow – 6
Managed 75 running metres and 23 tackles from just 30 minutes of play. Did what he needed to do and, like Hess, the Gold Coast forward could benefit from being given more minutes to prove himself. Queensland’s forwards are reliable performers yet they need to find more variety in attack if they are to take down the Blues at Suncorp.

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Total: 107/170

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