STARS AND STINKERS FOR THE MAROONS IN ORIGIN I 2015
1. BILLY SLATER – A sore shoulder made him a target but pushed on and gave NSW a headache. 8
2. DARIUS BOYD – Fluffed a chance to score from a Hodkinson error, but was always on hand. 6.5
3. GREG INGLIS – Spent most of camp in hospital and boy, did he look out of sorts. Was kept busy in the opening exchanges but lacked his usual flair and energy. 4
4. JUSTIN HODGES – NSW won’t miss him next year. At his niggly best and an asset to the Maroons. 7
5. WILL CHAMBERS – Had 23 runs for a massive 234m and added his first Origin try along the way. A mainstay-in-the-making. 7
6. JOHNATHAN THURSTON – Didn’t miss a beat in his 31st straight Origin game, except for a 45m penalty that could’ve sealed the game with 10 minutes left. 8
7. COOPER CRONK – Scored the Maroons’ first try and sealed the win with an easy field goal in the closing minutes. Revelled under the pressure. 9
8. MATT SCOTT – At his brutal, hard best. A fearless warrior. 8
9. CAMERON SMITH (c) – Man of the match with a team-high 41 tackles. Can this man do no wrong? 9
10. NATE MYLES – Made a couple of errors and looked spent. 6
11. AIDAN GUERRA – A constant in attack and defence, almost scored a try. 7
12. SAM THAIDAY – Nearly caught NSW out with his quick play-the-balls and a dozen runs. Played a part in Chambers’ try. 7
13. COREY PARKER – As usual, paved the way for Thurston and Cronk to do their magic. 7.5
Interchange:
14. MICHAEL MORGAN – Made the most of his limited minutes, making three runs for 31m. 6.5
15. JOSH McGUIRE – Ran hard and looked every bit the seasoned Origin player – not a debutant. 7.5
16. MATT GILLETT – Not the standout he needed to be with Josh Papalii wanting his spot. 6
17. JACOB LILLYMAN – Perhaps a little stunned by the speed of Origin, but nonetheless a solid effort. 6.5