Player ratings for the NSW Blues team in their State of Origin II clash with the Queensland Maroons at ANZ Stadium.
1. James Tedesco: A captain's knock in his first game in charge. Scored with a trademark right-foot step and set up two tries. Ran for 238 metres – a feat which has become the norm for the supremely gifted custodian. 8.5
2. Daniel Tupou: Mammoth effort, recording 227 metres. Made an impact carrying the ball from the backfield and was safe defusing kicks. Classy finish for a second-half try. 8
3. Clint Gutherson: Delivered an early statement with a strong hit on Valentine Holmes. Was physical and held his own without doing a heap in attack. 6.5
4. Jack Wighton: Caught in-field for Queensland's first try, but had a tough task defending at centre with a new five-eighth and second-rower next to him. Great footwork and strength to score early in the second half. 6.5
Addo-Carr secures his double from Walker kick
5. Josh Addo-Carr: Put his speed to good use by chasing a couple of Nathan Cleary punts and forcing drop-outs. Superb finisher who scored another double. 8
6. Cody Walker: Continued his sizzling ANZ Stadium form with a terrific first-half try that started NSW's surge. Lovely grubber to provide Addo-Carr his double. More than justified his selection in the starting side. 7.5
7. Nathan Cleary: Grew in confidence after an early line-break that preceded Walker's four-pointer. Had a hand in a few tries, engaged the defence and kicked beautifully. Commitment was clear as he pressured Queensland's kickers. Terrific response to his critics. 9
Walker breaks through on the right
8. Daniel Saifiti: Outstanding in Origin I and set the tone again with a strong first stint of 25 minutes where he recorded seven runs for 84 metres and 19 tackles. 7
9. Damien Cook: Once the Blues had the momentum the hooker came into his own. Knew when to jump from dummy-half and created opportunities. Beaten by Josh Papalii as he rampaged across the line late but game was in the bag by then. 7
10: Payne Haas: Like Saifiti, a wonderful opening stint - 29 minutes, nine runs for 87 metres and 18 tackles. Great move by Brad Fittler to promote him from the bench. Sin-binned for punching Tino Fa'asumaleaui when he returned. 8
11. Angus Crichton: Had to fill the huge boots of Boyd Cordner but showed why he was picked with a bustling performance. Ran with vigour to collect 124 metres. 7.5
Tedesco isolates Hunt
12. Tyson Frizell: Forced off for a HIA after a head clash with Addo-Carr in the 25th minute. Returned to the fray to finish with six runs, 44 metres and 26 tackles and some brutal defence. 7
13. Jake Trbojevic: Only 63 metres, but his ball-playing was key to NSW's attack as he often jumped in at first receiver. Got through 23 tackles. 7
Interchange
14. Dale Finucane: Massive. Matched the standard set by Haas and Saifiti with some hurtling carries. Ate 123 metres in 26 minutes. 7.5
15. Junior Paulo: Gave the defence something to think about with some nice offloads and powerful surges. Adapted well to coming off the interchange. 7
Tempers flare as Haas and Fa'asuamaleaui sent to sin bin
16.Nathan Brown: Was expected to bring aggression and produced it immediately by steamrolling Jake Friend with his first charge. Later squared up with Friend to spark a scuffle. Only saw 15 minutes of action. 6
17. Isaah Yeo: Injected when Frizell copped a head knock and belied his debutant status with an efficient showing. Very much suited at this level. 7
The views in this article do not necessarily express the opinions of the NRL, ARLC, NRL clubs or state associations.
