3 minute read
NSW scored a last-minute try to win back-to-back State of Origin shields for the first time since 2005.
1. James Tedesco - Sparked NSW into attack in the first half and scored a double in the second, including the last-minute winner. Ran for a game-high 222 metres. Player of the series. 9.5
2. Blake Ferguson - Targeted under the high ball but handled the extra attention with aplomb and ran for 158 metres before setting up the match-winning try. 8.5
3. Tom Trbojevic - Knocked on early and was quiet in attack before sparking the match-winning play and defended well all night. 7.5
4. Jack Wighton - The Canberra utility defended with vigour and ran hard for 97 metres from 12 runs. 7.5
5. Josh Addo-Carr - Energetic without leaving his mark on the game. Ran for 94 metres. 7
6. James Maloney - Cool, calm and collected all night. Made some mistakes but his composure ensured the Blues finished the job. Booted 5/5 off the tee. 8
7. Mitchell Pearce - quiet in attack but defended well and is finally rewarded with his first shield more than a decade after making his debut. 7
8. Daniel Saifiti - Made 14 tackles and only ran for 26 metres but did his job. 6.5
9. Damien Cook - crafty out of the ruck all night and scored what appeared to be the sealer with some fancy footwork that bamboozled Cameron Munster. Made 38 tackles. 8
15. David Klemmer - A late inclusion into the starting side and showed why with 115 metres and 21 tackles. 7.5
11. Boyd Cordner - A real captain's knock doing plenty of grunt work and running for 106 metres while making 29 tackles. 8
12. Tyson Frizell - gave away the penalty that invited the Maroons back into the match but made 34 tackles in an energetic display. 7
13. Jake Trbojevic - Led the Blues in defence with 39 tackles, including a few try-saving efforts at the death. 8.5
10. Paul Vaughan - Scored NSW's opening try after muscling his way over from close range. Ran for 55 metres and made 18 tackles. 7.5
14. Dale Finucane - Best bench player with 95 metres and 17 tackles. 7.5
16. Cameron Murray - Made a handy one-on-one strip in the second half and a 40-metre break through the midfield. Impact player. 7.5
17. Wade Graham - Didn't have the same impact as game two due to limited minutes but contributed nonetheless. 7.
