BLUES PLAYER RATINGS FOR STATE OF ORIGIN I:
1. JAMES TEDESCO – Superb performance, breaking the line at will and showing why his pace and footwork are so hard to contain. X-factor in attack and everywhere in defence. Unlucky not to be man of the match. 9.5
2. BRETT MORRIS – Solid game. Looked especially dangerous in the first half and did what was required of him after the break. 7
3. JOSH DUGAN – Made little impact for the most part before saving a try late to illustrate the Blues’ ruthlessness. 6
4. JARRYD HAYNE – Increasingly made his presence felt before joining the party, using his explosive pace to score a try on the big stage he loves so much. 8
5. BLAKE FERGUSON – Struggled to make a major impact before being beaten in the air by Oates going for a high ball which led to a Queensland try. 5.5
6. JAMES MALONEY – Scored the opening try and was an important part of NSW’s up-tempo attack. 7
7. MITCHELL PEARCE – The maligned Roosters’ star had possibly his best Origin performance before a heavy hit from Will Chambers ended his game after 50 minutes. 8
8. AARON WOODS – Solid early before a long break. Came back and made his presence felt. 7
9. NATHAN PEATS – Nothing spectacular – and that was the plan. Ran hard to give the halves the chance to run the show and solid in defence. 7
10. ANDREW FIFITA – Outstanding game running all over the Maroons to finish with two tries. Man of match. 9
11. BOYD CORDNER (capt) – As expected, led from the front. Strong carries and important defensive efforts. 8
12. JOSH JACKSON – Quiet without being poor. Played his role. 6.5
13. TYSON FRIZELL – Played his part in defence, laying more than 30 tackles. 7
INTERCHANGE:
14. DAVID KLEMMER – Came off the bench and had a major impact, running for almost 200 metres. A central influence in a famous victory. 8.5
15. WADE GRAHAM – Superb off the bench with one linebreak assist and played his part in two tries. 8
16. JAKE TRBOJEVIC – Impressive debut highlighted by teaming up with Tedesco for a try-saving tackle. 7
17. JACK BIRD – Switched to the halves after Pearce’s injury with immediate effect. His strong run and quick play-the-ball gave Tedesco a platform to cross. 7