STARS AND STINKERS FOR THE BLUES IN ORIGIN I 2015

1. JOSH DUGAN – NSW’s best on ground, despite missing a field goal to equalise. The architect of the Blues’ first try with a break and clever kick to Morris. 9

2. WILL HOPOATE – Anonymous in attack but cool under the high ball and calm in defence. 6

3. MICHAEL JENNINGS – A far cry from his efforts for the Roosters – loose in defence and quiet in attack. 6

4. JOSH MORRIS – Always in the right place at the right time. Got himself on the end of Dugan’s kick to grab NSW’s first try and was just as pivotal in defence. 8

5. DANIEL TUPOU – A drop ball in the sixth minute almost led to a Slater try and was kept at bay from there. 6

6. MITCHELL PEARCE – Played a central role, especially off the boot – kicking a massive 524m. 7

7. TRENT HODKINSON – Solid but not a standout. Almost gifted the Maroons a four-pointer after failing to find touch early in second half. 6

8. AARON WOODS – Took NSW’s first two hit-ups and led the charge all match. Racking up 132m, seems to have taken Paul Gallen’s role as the Blues’ workhorse. 8

9. ROBBIE FARAH (c) – A typically gusty effort, making 50 tackles with a busted shoulder. 8

10. JAMES TAMOU – Provided the offload to Dugan for NSW’s opening try in a solid first half, but was outmuscled in the second half. 6

11. BEAU SCOTT – Was expected to do a job on JT, and did exactly that. Rewarded with a try in the 26th minute. 8

12. RYAN HOFFMAN – A couple of busts and plenty of metres in a typically solid effort. 7

13. JOSH JACKSON – A mistake-free debut, making 52m from six runs. 6

Interchange:

14. TRENT MERRIN – Tough and reliable as always. 7

15. BOYD CORDNER – Got little ball but still packed a punch in defence. 6

16. DAVID KLEMMER – Hit up hard and defended well on debut. 7

17. ANDREW FIFITA – A couple of offloads and few linebreaks, a worthy addition. But could be in trouble for a chicken-wing tackle on Cronk. 7