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Opinion
NSW had more than enough chances to win the State of Origin series opener but yet again faded in the final stages to lose 26-18.
Here’s how the players rated in game one at the Adelaide Oval.
1. James Tedesco
The NSW captain was In everything. He ran hard and tackled well. 200+ metres in attack with seven tackle breaks. But he fell over for Hammer’s second try and got out-jumped by Lindsay Collins for Munster’s try. 7/10
2. Brian To’o
Some very strong runs and a line break from the nuggety winger. He really caused the Maroons headaches all night with 194 metres and six tackle breaks. 7/10
James Tedesco is tackled. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
3. Stephen Crichton
The rangy centre had some strong runs but his defence is still suspect at this level. Scored a try but dropped a few crucial balls and gave away a penalty. 5.5/10
4. Tom Trbojevic
A pretty quiet night from Tommy Turbo in spite of his 122 metres gained. He looked short of a trot and posed virtually no threat before going off with a head knock. 5/10
5. Josh Addo-Carr
JAC tried really hard to get into the game but didn’t have much luck in the first half. Gave away a penalty and missed four tackles. 5.5/10
6. Jarome Luai
Great pass to Liam Martin for a try, and for Crichton’s try in the 67th. Defence still a bit shaky though, highlighted by his miss on Cobbo in the 57th minute, one of his four misses. 6/10
7. Nathan Cleary
The star half was solid but dropped a ball and his kicks were not quite up to his usual stellar standard. He missed an uncharacteristic six tackles. 6.5/10
8. Tevita Pangai jnr
TPJ had a go but looked a bit raw for this level. Gave away a few penalties and ceded crucial possession in the 57th minute leading to Cobbo’s go ahead try. 4/10
9. Api Koroisau
Tried his guts out. A really committed effort. Had a fair few missed tackles but made a team-high 40 tackles. He really made his presence felt and provided great service from dummy half. His try may have been dubious, but play the whistle people! 7.5/10
10. Payne Haas
The big man was out there and made 123 metres but he really didn’t impose himself like NSW needed him to. However, Freddie only gave him 51 minutes. 6/10
11. Tyson Frizell
I didn’t think the old war horse was a good pick but he proved a real handful and was only denied a try through awesome defence and inconclusive replays. Was quieter in the second half. 6.5/10
12. Hudson Young
Huddo tried hard but it wasn’t his night. In amongst his decent defence and solid runs, there was a dropped ball along with copping lots of stick from the Maroons before Freddie took him off after 30 minutes. 4.5/10
13. Isaah Yeo
The Panthers lock had his usual hardworking game in defence with 38 tackles. He acquitted himself well – forcing a crucial turnover from Lindsay Collins – but didn’t have a massive impact in attack. 7/10
Interchange:
14. Junior Paulo
Started bending the line from the moment he came on with very strong carries, making 89 metres in 30 minutes. He should have got more time the way he was playing, even though he missed tackles. 7/10
15. Cameron Murray
Why was he ever on the bench? The moment he came on the Blues looked faster, sharper and stronger. 29 tackles without a miss. 7/10
16. Liam Martin
The rampaging Panther was awesome in attack and defence, only interrupted by having his forehead split open. Martin scored a great try and terrorised the Maroons in defence. 7.5/10
17. Nicho Hynes
Finally got on in the 69th minute and dropped the short dropout with his first touch and then got beaten all ends up by Munster in the 74th for the Hammer’s second try. 3/10