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.
(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.
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.
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.
(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.
Adz Sportz
Roar Guru
A 4 for Ben Hunt? Is the 4 a participation award?
Paul
Roar Guru
Nat, I think Ponga still needs to take on all the one per centers Billy does. As someone said before the game, Slater is one of the great talkers and there's no doubt he has be invaluable in managing the Qld defence. He's also taken on a lot more of the attack management, rather than simply being a very elusive runner. This is an area Ponga needs to develop. If he gets both these areas, right for sure he could be Q;ds number 1 for a very long time.
DH
Guest
Chambers is certainly out of form, keep in mind, though, he's played with Smith and Cronk for a long time now, he seems to be finding it hard to adjust to life without them. Or it might just be his age or just standard loss of form.
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
It is obviously hard to give the coaches a rating but I definitely commend Freddy - I think he has quite a special relationship with the players - he is someone they would want to work hard for. Billy was one of QLD's best in attack and keep in mind he had to do extra work with Hunt not taking enough control.
Paul
Roar Guru
I think your ratings for both Billy and Will Chambers were generous. Slater had an 8 or even a 9/10 first half, then what? NSW obviously changed things up in defence and effectively shut him down in the time he played. Chambers game one was a shocker and this was not a lot better. Prior to this series starting, he was being touted by some as the best centre in the world. On current form, he would be no lock for the Storm. He seems to be in the wrong head space and playing him in game 3 might be a bad idea, unless someone can help him straighten out. What about coaches ratings Mr X? I thought Freddy had a 6/10 first half and a 8/10 second half. He needed to rework his defence to match the game plan Qld used and he did so really well at half time. He needs to get more out of forwards who shold be dominating the Qld pack but are not doing so. Kevvie proved a point - when you have such a great side as Qld has had for the past decade or more, you don't need to be a particularly good coach. When things get tough, you need a plan A, which they had with Slater heavy involvement in the first half, then a plan B & C, etc when plan A is nullified. Apart from Ponga, there was nothing there. His selections didn't help the cause. Qld had to win game 2 and they chose bench players (with the exception of Ponga) who were "steady as she goes". Walters has lots of guys either out of form or lacking attacking flair in his 17. He needs more spark and he isn't going to get it with this bunch.
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
Slater was controlling their attacking set plays well in the opposition 20 but obviously he can't do it himself, after all he is the fullback.
Dean
Guest
Ben Hunt is one of the great chokers in pressure situations in world sport. Just doesn't read the game and fails often at critical moments. All through his career. The maroons just seemed to be throwing balls around not knowing who was supposed to be in control. Gotta think about both the senior players and the coaches.
uglykiwi
Roar Pro
NAPA a 6.................. whats a man to do to get a 0? NAPA did nothing. Hunt should have been given a 0 along with Hess. All 3 should never play origin again.
Nat
Roar Guru
I think the rating between the two teams represents the game reasonably fairly. Most Origin games are won in the forwards but neither really dominated apart from individual moments. McCollough was solid and just as effective as Cook but where I think he falls down is trying to replicate Smiths 3rd tackle kick after points. Smith nails these kicks for distance and position but NSW are obviously well aware now and countered them effectively. Enough has been said about Hunt and that try. Othrwise, the backs both aimed up and let opportunities slip at the same time. Billy showed why he is still the best and Ponga offered glimpses of why he will be.
DP. Schaefer
Guest
Some good calls PNGBF88, almost totally agree. Leave Munster at 5/8 though and Ponga in at fullback. Hunt was a disaster to be honest, some very poor choices and resigned to bench or out. McCullough dull and Segeyaro a must (if not committed elsewhere). bring in Taylor at half for the last game, say goodbye to Chambers Gagai in the centres and Oates for sure. Replace about 3/4 forwards. And do it now, stupid to wait until next year. With the series gone this last game should be a trial for QLD 2019
Renegade
Roar Guru
I don’t think Ponga needs the practice.... origin just isn’t that much different to NRL these days, he pretty much said so himself last night.
Jason Cave
Guest
If a Kangaroo team was picked for a three Test series against Great Britain based on performances so far in this State of Origin series, who'd make the Australian team?
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
That was against Fiji though, who did not put up the biggest effort in defence. Origin is a completely different beast. Give him a go sure but only off the bench.
3 recalcitrant monkeys
Guest
It will be Feldt not Oates to come in if gagai moves to the centres oates spot is the bench if he's picked
PNGBF88
Guest
You obviously didnt watch Sat test v Fiji. He dominated the first 60mns, setting up a long range try and constantly probing in attack and laying on the big hits. He doesn't play, PNG lose but they had the game sewn up at halftime.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Yeah, I would agree with Oats for Chambers. I would bring in Ash Taylor for Hunt as well. A dead rubber in Brissy is probably the best way to get a feel for a Maroon jersey.
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
All quite fair points Matt. Agree R.E Oates being a must on the wing. Think he could help out QLD's big men too with strong carries out of his own half.
Emcie
Roar Guru
Personally I don't think experience should come at the cost of team cohesion. He'll have plenty of opportunites in the maroon jumper so it's not like it's neccessary to test out whether he fits or not right now. Even if shuffling him into the gives him personal origin experience it also comes at the cost of developing lasting combinations in the other areas that QLD need to shore up quickly
Matt H
Roar Guru
I'd like to give a shout out to Kaufusi. He made 37 tackles without a miss this game, after missing around 2,672 tackles in Game 1. He will grow into this level no problems. Cooper is playing his last Origin series. Gillett will partner Kaufusi next year. I'd give Hunt one more go, with Morgan the first choice next year. Morgs was playing busted this year and should be the man to lead QLD. Joe Ofa should come in for Game 3 in place of Wallace and I agree Jai Arrow needs more game time. Maybe Maguire to the front row, Arrow in at lock and Ofa from the bench? As for the backline, I'd love to see Gagai into the centres and Oates to the wing, with Chambers to drop out. Ponga can reprise his bench role in Game 3. He was excellent, but they need to work on not cramping Slater's style when Ponga comes on.
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
That is a fair point Emcie but I mean the more practice he gets in the Origin arena the better. I guess it depends on whether Oates, Taylor etc. will be blooded or not.