3 minute read
How Queensland's players rated in the opening State of Origin match at Adelaide Oval.
AJ BRIMSON: Solid on debut. Led Queensland with 144 running metres and scored the Maroons' first try. 8
XAVIER COATES: Showed no discomfort despite spraining his shoulder on Sunday in training. Scored a try, was solid under the high ball in defence and made some important reads late in the game as NSW attempted a comeback. 7.5
DANE GAGAI: Another top display by the Origin specialist. Strong in defence and his break allowed Coates to give the Maroons' the lead in the second half. Had 120 running metres and 25 tackles. Immense. 8.5
KURT CAPEWELL: One of the Maroons' best on debut. Made a big impact at start of second half in defence and then showed strength and skill to set up Queensland's first try. Came off late with a tight groin. 8
PHILLIP SAMI: Probably wouldn't have played had Brenko Lee not been ruled out with injury. Targeted by Blues throughout and while he stopped Josh Addo-Carr on one occasion from scoring, the NSW winger got the chocolates with a double. 6.5
CAMERON MUNSTER: Struggled for some fluency in the first half but pounced on a loose offload by Daniel Tupou to hold off Damien Cook and score the Maroons' third try. Kicking game was on point, with 490 metres gained from 13 kicks. 8
DALY CHERRY-EVANS: Missed an early penalty goal shot but as the Maroons dominated the second half the Queensland captain took control. Ended the game with five tackle busts, made 99 running metres and also made 26 tackles. 8.5
CHRISTIAN WELCH: Made 22 post-contact metres and 16 tackles before left the field in the second half after copping a head knock and didn't return. 6.5
JAKE FRIEND: Didn't disappoint after waiting so long to make his Origin debut. Made 52 tackles and 62 running metres. Worked hard to contain opposite number Damien Cook's influence in the second-half. 7
JOSH PAPALII: Was arguably Queensland's most influential player in the first half. Made 109 running metres, including 49 post-contact metres. 7
FELISE KAUFUSI: One of the quieter performers for the Maroons but a halftime switch to the left edge played a role in Queensland's improved performance. Sin-binned in dying minutes for a professional foul as Queensland hung on to their lead. 6.5
COEN HESS: Didn't feature in the second half after a quiet opening term. Made just 40 running metres and 13 tackles. May find himself starting from the bench for game two. 6
TINO FA'ASUAMALEAUI: Always willing to take on the line. The 20-year-old picked up 110 running metres from 16 carries and also laid 13 tackles. Has a big Origin future. 7
BEN HUNT: Came on at lock and finished the match at centre after Capewell succumbed to injury. Versatility is a useful asset for the Maroons. 6
LINDSAY COLLINS: Was one of the gamechangers in the second half for the Maroons. Came off the bench and made 95 running metres from 10 carries as well as 11 tackles. 7
JAI ARROW: Massive off the bench for the Maroons, making a huge impact, particularly in the second half. Had 25 tackles and made some super important runs which bent the Blues' defence. 8
JAYDN SU'A: His arrival in the second half in place of Hess was a crucial change for the Maroons. Nearly fed Gagai for a try after being put into space by Cherry-Evans but his pass missed the target. 7
