The Queensland Maroons have pulled off a memorable upset in Origin 1, downing the NSW Blues with a second-half comeback to win the series opener 18-14.
There were some standout performances from the men in Maroon, who had been largely written off pre-game.
Here’s how each of the 17 Queensland players rated.
Queensland Maroons
1. AJ Brimson: 8/10
There were concerns when Kalyn Ponga was ruled out for the series, but Maroons supporters need not have worried. Brimson slotted into fullback on debut like a seasoned Origin pro. Solid in defence and under the high ball, dangerous in attack, and chipped in with the tide-turning try thanks to some good support play. Belongs at this level.
2. Xavier Coates: 6
Coates was another debutant to grab a try in his first Origin. Made a couple of errors and was lucky to get bailed out by a Dane Gagai try-saver after he slipped in defence in the first half, but was otherwise solid. His evident joy in playing for the Maroons was heartwarming.
3. Dane Gagai: 9
Another Origin, another standout performance from Gagai. He was a rock in defence, and did all the hard work in creating Coates’ try. Superb from the veteran.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
18. Kurt Capewell: 9
The pick of the debutants. Troubled Clint Gutherson all night, and his fend, break and chip to set up Brimson’s try was remarkable. The Blues did find some joy attacking to his edge, but that’s the only thing preventing him from getting a ten. And to think this bloke wasn’t even picked in the 17 last week.
5. Phillip Sami: 6
The one Queensland back who didn’t really have his way. Made a careless error under the high ball and NSW scored two of their tries down his edge – although the problems there admittedly started further infield. Made nearly 150 running metres though.
6. Cameron Munster: 8
Quiet first half, brilliant second half. Munster’s accurate kicking helped pin NSW deep in their own territory after the break, and he constantly tested the defence with ball in hand. Grabbed an opportunistic try as well, which proved to be the winner.
7. Daly Cherry-Evans: 9
Who’d have thought after his shank of a kick for goal right in front in the first half that Cherry-Evans would win the game for Queensland from the tee? His two sideline conversions – from a spot where Nathan Cleary just missed an attempt of his own – were crucial.
Add to that some superb game management in the second half, 35 tackles made and just one missed (for a halfback!), lots of probing runs, and you have a deserving player of the match.
8. Christian Welch: 7
Didn’t play a lot of minutes and his stats sheet isn’t great, but Welch still made a strong impact. Forced the offload which led to Munster’s try with a big, rush-up hit on Daniel Tupou. Was taken off with a head knock, and the Maroons will be hoping he’s fit for Game 2.
9. Jake Friend: 6
Friend’s service wasn’t too crisp to start off, and he made a couple of careless errors, but he improved as the game went on. Made a few nice darts up the middle, and stuck a mammoth 54 tackles.
10. Josh Papalii: 8
One does not simply tackle Josh Papalii one-on-one. The big prop bent the line every time he touched the ball, drawing in plenty of defenders. Threw a forward pass, but didn’t miss a tackle.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
11. Felise Kaufusi: 7
A strong showing from the second-rower. Made good metres with ball in hand, and only missed one tackle.
12. Coen Hess: 4
Probably the one Maroon in danger of losing his place in the side next week. He made his tackles, but offered no impact running the ball. Benched after the half-hour and didn’t return.
13. Tino Faasuamaleaui: 7
Made more running metres than any other Queensland forward. Came up with a defensive error for the Blues’ second try, but it was still a solid showing on debut.
14. Ben Hunt: 7
Put in a really strong half-hour stint from the bench, which included a nice little bust in the lead-up to Coates’ try. Queensland improved when he was on the park.
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15. Lindsay Collins: 7
Strong running the ball, his impact was key in the Maroons turning the game around.
16. Jai Arrow: 7
Built for Origin. Went at nearly ten metres per run, and while he missed a few tackles, he also put some big hits on the Blues.
17. Jaydn Su’A: 6
Like Arrow, Su’A made about ten metres every time he ran the ball. Was fairly accurate in defence, but he also came up with a couple of errors.
Rob
Guest
Capewell was my MOM. He played injured and absolutely left everything he had out on the paddock. Debut game and rose to the occasion. I thought Munster was slightly more dominant than DCE. He did a majority of the second half kicking pushing NSW deep into JAC’s corner and chased hard to shut down Teddy and JAC. He looked to take on the line, defended big, once getting JAC into touch and his pressure pushing up resulted in an error which he quickly pounced on and threw sheer skill and determination converted a half opportunity into a try.
Emcie
Roar Guru
He was a late scratching before the game, didn't take the field.
Emcie
Roar Guru
I think the strategy is to wait for them to get complacent again for game 3 after they win the next one.
R N
Roar Rookie
Pretty fair... maybe bump Kaufusi to an 8. I thought he was great on the edge. Great hard hits low and looked dangerous with the ball.
Trevor Whitton
Roar Rookie
I'm confused. I'm sure I heard Brenko Lee called early in the game - then he seemed to disappear off the face of the earth. Was it a commentator error? I must admit that I was astonished at his selection in the squad in the first place.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
I think that's true to a degree. NSW can improve their game plan and they can certainly improve their intent . One area where QLD have improvement though is in teamwork. New 9, new 1 , new outside backs. NSW had the same 1, 9 and 7 for 5 games ( before game 3 last year) plus JAC and Wrighto . QLD will gel better in game 2. They were very, very clunky to start. Some of that was poor service from Friend but he got better. I am hopeful we are better for the run.
Bludger
Guest
The tv ratings were the worst in 20 years. I lay the blame squarely at Peter V'landys feet because he loves to take the credit for everything.
mushi
Roar Guru
Whilst incredibly proud of the effort and deliriously happy with the boys I can't help but feel like NSW didn't deserve their points. They got them through a pure gap in talent rather than through the game plan or concerted team effort. That worries me because effort and game plan are within the blues control; whereas I'm not sure we can just work on being more talented... Hopefully the blues switch off for one more game!
Dutski
Roar Guru
Wow! Just wow!
Sydneysideliner
Roar Rookie
It's weird thinking about Gagai as a veteran, seems like only a couple of years since he debuted in a team full of old timers, but it's true: he's now played more origins than Steve Renouf. Let that sink in!
The Barry
Roar Guru
Pretty good ratings...can’t really argue...a few of the forwards could possibly get bumped up
Nat
Roar Rookie
I think you have undersold the forwards there Daniel. The forwards set up the win. I'd give Papa 8.5 at least because I would bump Welsh up a point. The guy does so much off the ball, he leads line speed and the one chasing Cleary for kick pressure. He may have coped a knock that ended his game but his total game was Melbourne-esk. Kaufusi was similar, not flash but snapped the legs of anyone who came near him.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Hess was a massive disappointment. After all his interview talk an how 'thrilled' he was to get a call up I expected him to put in a big one. Right when they needed him he was nowhere. After Cook spilled the ball and the many sets they had on the NSW line the Hess of old and promise would have stormed through. Win or not, Maroons need to make a couple of changes, Homes for Sami (thought Coates could have been better), maybe Grant for Friend (who's service from the ruck was slow and lacking) and anyone for Hess...
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Yes and can we now have a Dally M category for Halftime Coach of the Year?
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
Dane Gagai was the Man of the Match (..again). He was superb in attack and defence. Individually brilliant AND a great team player. Bennett also deserves a 10/10.