JAMES TEDESCO: Killed it again with game-best numbers, including 170 running metres, three tackle busts and a line break that gave Blues a 10-point halftime lead. 8.5.

BRETT MORRIS: Another solid performance from one of the Blues’ most reliable veterans. 7.

JOSH DUGAN: Renowned for his attack but produced a mighty defensive display, saving at least two tries. 7.

JARRYD HAYNE: Also excelled in defence, thwarting several Queensland raids, but selfish and erratic with ball in hand. 6.5.

BLAKE FERGUSON: His defensive misread gifted Queensland an early lead but atoned with big goal-line hit on Michael Morgan on stroke of halftime. 6.5.

JAMES MALONEY: Will be marked down because the Blues lost but his class was influential in putting NSW in a commanding position at the break. 7.5.

MITCHELL PEARCE: The maligned halfback had one of his best games in a losing team, but was unable to close out the match – again. 7.5.

AARON WOODS: Set the tone with an early big hit on Valentine Holmes and ran vigorously throughout as Blues forwards again dominated their Maroons counterparts. 8.

NATHAN PEATS: Provided slick service from dummy-half and made a game-high 52 tackles. Couldn’t have done much more. 8.5.

ANDREW FIFITA: Tipped to be the match winner again, but found it impossible to back up his game-one heroics in a quiet game. 5.5.

JOSH JACKSON: Easily NSW’s best and busiest performer in the first half but was not as effective in Queensland’s second-half domination. 8.

BOYD CORDNER: The skipper’s work rate went largely unnoticed but yet again he was among the Blues’ best. 7.5.

13.TYSON FRIZELL: A mixed bag featuring some damaging runs and loose ball control. 6.5.

RESERVES

DAVE KLEMMER: The Blues’ most destructive ball runner despite coming off the bench. 8.

WADE GRAHAM: Untimely errors overshadowed some classy touches. 6.

JAKE TRBOJEVIC: The most impactful bench player, making big metres with the ball and saving tries in defence. 8.

JACK BIRD: Only entered the fray late and failed to make his mark. 6.