3 minute read
How NSW's players rated in State of Origin II at ANZ Stadium.
JAMES TEDESCO - The new Blues skipper scored a try, set up another two, picked up 221 running metres and had three tackle busts in an all-action display. 9
DANIEL TUPOU - Scored his first Origin try in his sixth game for the Blues and was strong throughout with the ball in hand. Picked up a game-high 224 metres from 23 possessions. 8.5
CLINT GUTHERSON - Didn't let anyone down but the Parramatta skipper still looks a bit out of place in the centres. 6
JACK WIGHTON - Beat Dane Gagai to score a try. The Dally M medallist bounced back well from a quiet night in game one. 7
JOSH ADDO-CARR - Two more Origin tries for the star winger as he terrorised Phillip Sami throughout. 8
CODY WALKER - One of the best on the ground after being promoted to start at five-eighth. Scored one, played a role in three others and supported Nathan Cleary's kicking game well. 8
NATHAN CLEARY - The Nathan Cleary that ran the show for Penrith in 2020 arrived at Origin level. Two try assists, a linebreak, a 40/20 and five from seven with the boot in a brilliant display. 9
DANIEL SAIFITI - Solid display by the front-rower with 122 running metres, a tackle bust and an offload. 7
DAMIEN COOK - Controlled the ruck and made 37 tackles. Takes the win over Jake Friend in the battle of the No.9s. 7
PAYNE HAAS - Started at prop and made far more of an impact because of it. Had a whopping 164 running metres from 17 carries. Sent to the sin-bin for a scrap with Tino Fa'asuamaleaui. 7.5
ANGUS CRICHTON - The Blues' best forward with 121 running metres, including 52 post-contact metres as well as 24 tackles. 8
TYSON FRIZELL - Laid an early try-saving tackle on Josh Papalii and came back from a clash of heads with Addo-Carr to complete a strong back-rower's display. 7
JAKE TRBOJEVIC - Made some big tackles in the first half including one that rattled Xavier Coates' ribs. Finished with 23 tackles and 49 running metres. 7.5
DALE FINUCANE - The Melbourne forward returned to Origin brilliantly with 103 metres off the bench. 7
JUNIOR PAULO - Dropped to the bench after starting game one and it worked a treat for the Blues with the big bopper making a big impact on the game. Strong runs each time he had the ball. 7
NATHAN BROWN - Quiet debut for the ball-playing lock. Didn't need to do much with the Blues in charge and had limited minutes. 6
ISAAH YEO - Good debut with115 running metres off the interchange bench including a whopping 53 post-contact metres. 7.5
