This was published 9 years ago
State of Origin 2016: how the players rated
Updated ,first published
- Webster: Queensland show why they rule
- As it happened: Queensland v NSW
- Ruthless Maroons make Blues pay
New South Wales
1. Matt Moylan
The Panthers custodian struggled to get himself into the game. The calls for James Tedesco will get louder. 4/10
2. Blake Ferguson
Defensively sound in the face of a relentless barrage. It took its toll on his attacking game with limited touches. 4
3. Michael Jennings
Unsighted in the first half and threw the pass that led to Queenslands first try. A poor read for the second try to boot. 4
14. Dylan Walker
Nine average minutes in game one, 80 better ones in game two. Controlled his old teammate GI with distinction. 5
5. Josh Mansour
Built for Origin: tough carries and plenty of metres. His opposite number got the better of him on the scoreboard. 5
6. James Maloney
A different player second time around in the Origin arena. His opportunistic try was reward for a solid effort. 7
7. Adam Reynolds
An improvement on game one but still struggling to put a complete game together. Perfect with the boot and laid on NSW's first try. 6
8. Aaron Woods
The best prop on the ground in the first half with several strong carries. The only NSW forward to run 100 metres. 8
9. Robbie Farah
Running Robbie ran the Queenslanders ragged early on and added 44-tackles to another quality Origin performance. 8
10. James Tamou
Only two runs in first stint and was ineffective when he came back on. The worst of his 13 Origins. 3
15. Tyson Frizell
His chase on Dane Gagai epitomises his effort on debut. A try capped off a strong game on the left edge. 7
12. Josh Jackson
A 40-plus tackle game and was all over the one percenters including putting pressure on the kickers. 6
13. Paul Gallen
Copy and paste from every other Gallen Origin: high workrate, plenty of passion. He deserves a Sydney farewell. 5
11. Greg Bird
Google the words a solid Origin player is. The rest comes up automatically: Greg Bird. 5
16. David Klemmer
Lacked his usual punch from the bench during a period of Queensland dominance . 5
17. Andrew Fifita
The big man didn't have the same impact as game one. A try-saving tackle late in the first half . 4
18. Jack Bird
A Bird on the bench is worth nothing if he doesn't get on. Only 25 minutes of game time. 5
Chris Boulous
Queensland
1. Darius Boyd
Unusually quiet start after five-star display in Sydney, but basketballed over top for Gagai second and put on matchwinner for Oates. Crucial involvement. 7
2. Corey Oates
Copped Fifita facial, but otherwise always looked likely on end of left-edge loaded Queensland attack and scored sealer. Belongs at this level now. 7
3. Greg Inglis
Nothing like a rookie staring at you from the other side of the ruck. Terrorised ex-teammate Walker. Not quite vintage GI, but very good. 7
4. Justin O'Neill
Ever dependable in defence, but like those around him starved of ball in attack. Needless penalty helped NSW back into game. 5
5. Dane Gagai
Hammy held up to sprint 80 metres for first of memorable hat-trick. Five tries in three Origin games. Uncanny knack of knowing where line is. Outstanding finishing. 8
6. Johnathan Thurston
Copped a belting from NSW's kick chasers, but bounced back up every time. Two huge plays to help set up Gagai's third. Goalkicking near flawless. 7
7. Cooper Cronk
Moylan will be having nightmares about his floaters. Otherwise ceded most responsibility to Thurston. Calm as ever in the clutch. 6
8. Matt Scott
Statistically a little down on previous Origin stints as energetic McGuire shouldered early load. Second stint helped swing momentum. 6
9. Cameron Smith
Tackled everything that moved. Manipulated the ruck. Ran when he needed to. Schemed all night long. What's new? 8
10. Josh McGuire
Powerhouse opening stint and bent the line back with almost every carry. May have fast tracked the end of Nate Myles' Origin days. 7
11. Matt Gillett
Cronk's bodyguard was serviceable in defence, but saw little ball. Auditioned for Euro 16 with hare-brained trip on Ferguson. Not as brilliant as game one. 6
12. Sam Thaiday
Speared Gallen into the turf and could be looking at an extended holiday. Otherwise most shots were generally on the mark. 5
13. Corey Parker
Retiring? Why? Among Queensland's best in the testy opening exchanges, farewelling home faithful with another typically all-action display. 7
14. Michael Morgan
Roved with purpose, but couldn't quite add usual spark. Solid brick in Maroon defensive wall. 5
15. Jacob Lillyman
Perennially underrated and ensured his side kept momentum at crucial stage. 6
16. Aidan Guerra
Used sparingly again. Will be hoping for more involvement back in Sydney. 4
17. Josh Papalii
Brutal when called into action off the pine. Another powerhouse display. 7
Adam Pengilly