BILLY SLATER: Typically brave, skilful and ever-threatening in his Origin comeback and confirmed his status as a future Immortal with key hand in match-winning try. 8.5.
VALENTINE HOLMES: Fine acrobatic finish for the game’s first try and tried to get involved late with the game on the line. Impressive debut. 7.
WILL CHAMBERS: Heavily involved and helped spark comeback but caught out defensively and twice dragged into touch in Maroons momentum killers. 7.
DARIUS BOYD: Made a silky smooth transition from fullback to centres, creating the opening try in a typically classy display from the stalwart. 7.
DANE GAGAI: Superb after being targeted early with kicks but proved the gamebreaker with two tries, including the late winner in flawless display. 9.
JOHNATHAN THURSTON: The courageous champion was hurt early and produced possibly his worst-ever kicking game – until slotting the pressure sideline winner with two minutes left. 7.
COOPER CRONK: Unusually quiet in attack, had a poor kicking game, including some bizarre last-play options, but one late burst gave the Maroons hope. 6.
DYLAN NAPA: Did his job in an intense first half and atoned for some defensive errors with an even bigger second half. 8.
CAMERON SMITH: Quietly orchestrated the attack as his champion halves misfired while making 40 tackles in the middle. Captain’s knock. 7.5.
JARROD WALLACE: Sound debut in pressure cooker environment in enemy territory but needs to improve work rate. 6.5.
GAVIN COOPER: Enormous defensive display with match-high 47 tackles, including one trysaver, and added extra dimension to Maroons attack. 8.
MATT GILLETT: A signature understated but effective performance from Australia’s premier back rower. 7.5.
JOSH MCGUIRE: Delivered a lock’s classic all-round display, mixing 116 running metres with 42 tackles. 8.5.
RESERVES
MICHAEL MORGAN: Accepted added attacking responsibility with Thurston lame and played key role in Maroons’ fightback. 7.
JOSH PAPALII: Struggled to penetrate in attack and lazy defence contributed to Tedesco’s break giving Blues a 10-point halftime lead. 6.
COEN HESS: Fair debut from the highly-rated 20-year-old without giving big time to impress. 6.
TIM GLASBY: Found wanting twice defensively for NSW tries in tough debut. May be out of his depth in Origin. 5.
