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Opinion
Queensland Maroons blooded four rookies but it was Melbourne Storm five-eighth Cameron Munster who stood tallest in an epic victory over New South Wales. Here’s how the players rated.
1. Kalyn Ponga: Just what the doctor ordered after some questioned his selection. Was reliable in defence, solid under the high ball, bided his time in attack but got involved plenty enough, the highlight a lovely cutout for Valentine Holmes’ 54th minute try. 8/10
2. Selwyn Cobbo: Got absolutely swamped on his first touch and Jack Wighton blasted through him for the game’s first try, but Cobbo was a more than worthwhile contributor on his Origin debut. Did some really good things; a tough take from a Cleary bomb under pressure in the first half, a nifty piece of work making something from nothing to grubber on his non-preferred foot for Dane Gagai to score, and tough runs to get the Maroons out of trouble. 7/10
3. Valentine Holmes: Switched from centre to the wing to cover Xavier Coates’ injury and was magnificent. Kept Kotoni Staggs in check and made two critical defensive plays to stop NSW tries – one on the halftime bell and a phenomenal piece of work with barely 10 minutes left to snuff out what looked a certain score from a kick ahead by Tedesco. 8/10
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
4. Dane Gagai: Had his hands full with Jack Wighton – copped a try when he whiffed on the NSW centre, but got one of his own finishing off that great heads up play from Cobbo. Scrambled well to do what he needed to do in defence. 6.5/10
5. Xavier Coates: Coates’ night was finished after just 28 minutes when he injured his ankle tackling Kotoni Staggs. To then he’d been effective wrangling Staggs and been decent enough with ball in hand. Put hearts in mouths going for an early death or glory intercept attempt that killed an early Blues attack, but could have gone his way if he’d stuck it. 5/10
6. Cameron Munster: “I barely know what I’m doing” Munster said after a game where he was an absolute dynamo from the first second – flying out of the defensive line, flying around in the attacking line, flying back covering defence right on halftime, stealing the ball from Stephen Crichton with 6 minutes left 10 metres from his own line… Munster was everything you want to see in Origin and more. Easily the best player on the ground. 9.9/10
7. Daly Cherry-Evans (c): After a somewhat dusty first half Cherry-Evans had a big influence on the second, notably when he stooged James Tedesco and Tariq Sims to stroll over from a scrum for the Maroons’ second try. Also made a great play to win the ball back when NSW were coming hard. His kicking was what it needed to be. 8/10
8. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui: A really, really good outing. Made tough runs early then drove the Maroons forward in the second half when they needed it most, while handling his share in defence. 7.5/10
9. Ben Hunt: Hunt delivered what Billy Slater wanted – fast service to give Munster and Cherry-Evans the stage, and reliable defence. Made good choices on when to make a move too, highlighted by his second half break which left NSW needing to go the length to tie the game. 6/10
10. Josh Papalii: Slater used him as a wrecking ball – the Raiders prop blew everything out in the first 15 with strong runs and massive hits on Kotoni Staggs, Payne Hass and everyone else he touched, before coming back with seven minutes left to do it all again. 7/10
11: Kurt Capewell: Strong runs for good metres (145m), a lot of post contact gains (60m). Almost laid on a break but got pinged a harsh forward pass call. His presence helped wrangle Blues runners when they looked like breaking through during the second half. 7/10
12: Felise Kaufusi: Reliable, strong defence that held up the middle. Didn’t do anything with the ball, but he’s not there to do anything with the ball. 6/10
13: Reuben Cotter: A fantastic State of Origin debut. Brought fantastic intensity on both sides of the ball with 51 tackles and 114 running metres, making sure he was involved wherever and whenever he could. Yet another Queenslander who’s ‘built for Origin’… 8/10
Interchange
14. Harry Grant: Grant has settled into Origin like a veteran and his quick work from dummy half and nose for a gain kept the Blues on the back foot and unsettled. If he’d played more than 45 minutes, maybe this score would be higher. 6.5/10
15. Lindsay Collins: Another forward who kept the ball out of New South Wales hands and his team rolling forward. Collins threw himself into his work and delivered exactly what his team needed. 6.5/10
16: Patrick Carrigan: The best forward on the ground who gave the Maroons a massive injection of vigour and energy when he took the field. Carrigan was immense, announcing his arrival by plastering Jack Wighton, then rolling on to notch the most metres (183) and most post contact metres (71) of any forward. Where has this come from, Patrick Carrigan? 8/10
17: Jeremiah Nanai: The night’s Lazarus act – Nanai looked done with an ankle injury after he’d had one touch, but returned with 20 to go. Barely touched the ball, but made some good defensive plays. 4.5/10