1. James Tedesco – The freakish fullback set up Tom Trbojevic’s opening try with a stunning run out of dummy-half. Sparkling in attack and defended with vigour. 8.5

2. Blake Ferguson – dropped a ball cold in the first half but redeemed himself by taking Corey Oates out in the next set and played with plenty of courage. 7.5

3. Tom Trbojevic – the man-of-the-match scored a hat-trick and proved why he’s one one of the most dangerous players in the world after returning in style. 9.5

4. Jack Wighton – The Canberra playmaker played his first game in the centres since 2014 but more than held his own and had a hand in several Blues tries. 7

5. Josh Addo-Carr – The Melbourne winger scored a double in the second half and was almost the Blues’ best. Once again amongst the most dangerous outside backs in the biggest arena. 8

6. James Maloney – Booted a 40-20 in the first half, set up two tries and booted five goals as well as taking over from the injured Nathan Cleary in the second half. 8

7. Nathan Cleary – The most maligned half since Michell Pearce did his job until sustaining an ankle injury late in the first period. 6

8. Daniel Saifiti – He ran for 84 metres but otherwise failed to leave a major mark. 5.5

9. Damien Cook – The Souths hooker made 35 tackles and was instrumental in the Blues success. One of the NSW silent assassins who yet again delivered. 8

10. Jake Trbojevic – Ran for 133 metres but this game lived in the shadow of his brother. 7

11. Boyd Cordner – The skipper was quiet by his standards but still ran for 117 metres, made 16 tackles and led from the front. 7

12. Tyson Frizell – One of the Blues’ best players with a try, 30 tackles and 48 metres from five runs. 8.5

13. Dale Finucane – The big man was out there with plenty of presence but only ran for 88 metres and made 16 tackles. 5.5

14. Paul Vaughan – The Blues’ best bench player with 119 metres and 20 tackles. 8

15. Tariq Sims – Toiled hard with 17 tackles and 85 metres. 6.5

16. Cameron Murray – He was better in game one off the bench but has a big future. 6

17. Wade Graham – The Sharks veteran cracked 100 metres in an inspirational return from injury. 7.5.