3 minute read
How NSW's players rated in the opening State of Origin match at Adelaide Oval.
JAMES TEDESCO: Showed no signs of being restricted by his left knee, making a game-high 242 running metres from 27 carries. Had five tackle busts but no linebreaks. 7.5
DANIEL TUPOU: Lost the ball with an ugly offload attempt which led to Cameron Munster's try for the Maroons. Made 224 running metres but had little impact on the game overall. 6
CLINT GUTHERSON: The debutant made some solid efforts as a makeshift centre but was outmuscled by Kurt Capewell in the build-up to Queensland's opening try. Twenty-four tackles showed how he was targeted by the Maroons in defence. 6.5
JACK WIGHTON: The Dally M medallist had a tough night at the office against Origin specialist Dane Gagai. Was brushed aside by his opposite number in the lead-up to Queensland's second try and had a game-high five missed tackles. 5.5
JOSH ADDO-CARR: Scored a double to take his tally to six tries in just seven Origin appearances. Five tackle busts and three linebreaks in a typically all-action display by the fleet-footed winger. 8
LUKE KEARY: Struggled to make an impact on debut as Queensland dominated field position in the second-half. Just three kicks in play and three missed tackles. 5.5
NATHAN CLEARY: Was a shadow of the influential halfback from Penrith's stellar 2020 season. Kicked one conversion from three attempts and made just 32 running metres. No linebreak assists and two errors. 5.5
DANIEL SAIFITI: Clocked up 144 running metres including a massive 54 post-contact. Made three offloads and 24 tackles. One of the Blues' best. 7.5
DAMIEN COOK: Dropped the kick off but rebounded to score the first try of the game after his kick fortunately rebounded back into his hands. Was dangerous in the first half but faded as the Maroons took control in the second. Made 46 tackles. 8
JUNIOR PAULO: Covering 59 metres from eight runs is not enough of an impact for the Blues' big bopper. Made 23 tackles but was far from the Origin debut he would have dreamed of. 6
BOYD CORDNER: Came off in the first half after suffering a head knock but returned to play out the game. The Blues captain made 122 running metres and 19 tackles. 6.5
TYSON FRIZELL: Can't remember any significant impact. Sixty-one running metres and 25 tackles but largely anonymous as Arrow and Collins took over for the Maroons in the second half. 6
JAKE TRBOJEVIC: Made 34 tackles but just 70 metres from eight runs highlighted his lack of impact on the game. 6.5
CODY WALKER: Came into the game late after being unused in the first half. Had a hand in NSW's late try and also picked up two linebreak assists. May force his way back into the starting 13 for game two. 7
PAYNE HAAS: Solid off the bench with some bullocking runs and strong defence. Limited opportunity however for the Broncos' big man with just 26 minutes on the field. 6.5
CAMERON MURRAY: Came on midway through the first half, made one run and suffered a leg injury. 5
ANGUS CRICHTON: Played 45 minutes off the bench but did not make much of an impact with the ball. Busy in defence with 26 tackles. 7
