In the wrap up to last nights match people are talking about the performances of the respective sides.
The big talking point remains the fight between Paul Gallen and Nate Myles. Gallen has been charged by the judiciary but will be available for State Of Origin two, something you could have bet your house on happening.
I have no problem with what happened in that incident. Neither player has any problem with how it played out. No doubt there will be a square up at some point over the rest of the series.
This is shaping up as one hell of a series already!
Anyway, onto the player ratings:
New South Wales Player Ratings – State Of Origin One
1. Jarryd Hayne – 8
Was one of NSW’s best. His attitude really pushed the team forward.
2. Brett Morris – 6
Didn’t really get into the match at all. Was solid though.
3. Michael Jennings – 8
Scored a classic Origin try, was great in defense and always dangerous in attack.
4. Josh Morris – 5
Didn’t play too badly but got beat by Greg Inglis with easy and that lead to Queenslands only try.
5. Blake Ferguson – 7
A couple of mistakes didn’t take away from his very strong play in attack and defense.
6. James Maloney – 8
Was brilliant in his first Origin game. Showed be belongs at this level.
7. Mitchell Pearce – 4
Defense was solid but fairly anonymous.
8. Paul Gallen – 7
Outside of belting Nate Myles he chewed through a lot of work.
9. Robbie Farah – 7
Got through a heap of work but his effectiveness in attack tailed off towards the end of the game.
10. James Tamou – 7
Was very strong early on but his influence on the game waned in the second half.
11. Ryan Hoffman – 5
Looked like this level of football is a step too far for him now.
12. Luke Lewis – 8
A man of the match performance. His defense was great and he punched holes in the Queensland line all night.
13. Greg Bird – 7
Was brutal in defense, especially in the second half.
14. Andrew Fifita – 7
Was fantastic when brought on. Gave the Blues the punch they needed off the bench.
15. Trent Merrin – 6
Didn’t see as much game time as I expected but played well.
16. Anthony Watmough – 5
Played OK but didn’t have the impact he used to at this level.
17. Josh Reynolds – NA
Wasn’t used by Laurie Daley
Queensland Player Ratings – State Of Origin One
1. Billy Slater – 5
Didn’t do a great deal in the match. Looks like he is carrying injury.
2. Brent Tate – 4
Wasn’t really a factor, the game just didn’t come his way.
3. Greg Inglis – 6
Needed to get more involved. When he did he looked dangerous.
4. Justin Hodges – 8
The best player in the second half, he tried to drag the Maroons kicking and screaming to a victory.
5. Darius Boyd – 6
Didn’t see much ball but did score the Maroons only try in the match.
6. Johnathan Thurston – 5
He looked beat up in this game. Tried to lift in the second half but by then it was too late.
7. Cooper Cronk – 6
Solid but not spectacular.
8. Matt Scott – 5
Didn’t do much in this one.
9. Cameron Smith – 6
Was kept quiet by the Blues defense. Had a try disallowed because of a double movement.
10. David Shillington – 5
His place in the side must be under threat after that performance.
11. Nate Myles – 7
Pissed off NSW and played solid.
12. Sam Thaiday – 6
Not the player he used to be. His attacking game has all but left him.
13. Ashley Harrison – 6
Worked hard all night in defense but offered nothing at all in attack.
14. Corey Parker – 6
Tried hard when he first hit the field but it disappeared fairly quickly.
15. Ben Te’o – 2
Did he even play?
16. Chris McQueen – 4
Didn’t get much game time. He will be better for the run.
17. Matt Gillett – 6
Played well when brought on. They need to consider starting him in game two.
did you even watch the game you have no idea
Nice in depth comment there!