The Mole's State of Origin I player ratings: Gun hooker a 'real disappointment' in Maroons stinker
Updated . First published at
The Maroons have it all to do in games two and three after struggling in an uncharacteristic Suncorp Stadium performance in game one.
Even with NSW kickers Nathan Cleary and Zac Lomax having a shocker in front of goal, the Blues still ran out comprehensive victors, taking a 1-0 series lead with an 18-6 victory.
Not all the Blues were equal and some of the Maroons players will be looking over their shoulders ahead of the next selection date.
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Read on to see how The Mole rated every player who took the field for State of Origin I.
Queensland
1. Kalyn Ponga
Tried to get involved in the play but appears to have lost the confidence and pace that made him the game's richest player this year.
Rating: 6
2. Xavier Coates
Probably the best of a bad bunch for the home side, making the most Maroon metres and scoring their lone try.
Rating: 8
3. Robert Toia
Didn't look out of place on debut despite his lack of experience, putting Coates over with a clever pass.
Rating: 7
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
The Hammer was a marked man by the Blues defence, beating just one tackle all night and getting few chances.
Rating: 5.5
5. Valentine Holmes
Rarely saw the ball with time or space as the Blues totally dominated the Maroons and the field position.
Rating: 5
6. Cameron Munster
Tried to spark the Maroons with his running game but the NSW defenders swamped him every time he attempted to break through.
Rating: 6
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7. Daly Cherry-Evans
The Maroons skipper had a frustrating night, unable to make any impression on the NSW defence.
Rating: 5.5
8. Moeaki Fotuaika
Just four runs for 37 metres - one of several Maroons who could pay the price for the team's flat display.
Rating: 3
9. Harry Grant
Came into the game as one of the Maroons' trumps but a real disappointment, making poor choices with the ball and missing five tackles.
Rating: 3.5
Queensland star Harry Grant had a rough night. Getty
10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
After missing last year's series, appeared to try too hard, giving away a couple of early penalties before settling down and doing some strong work with the ball up the middle.
Rating: 6
11. Reuben Cotter
Hasn't been the same player as the last couple of years at club level and was the same here. Very flat.
Rating: 4
12. Jeremiah Nanai
Only five runs for 43 metres but did crunch a few Blues with his fearless defence.
Rating: 5
Jeremiah Nanai (centre) celebrates a Xavier Coates try. Getty
13. Patrick Carrigan
The Maroons' busiest forward, leading the tackle count and running for 136 metres.
Rating: 6.5
14. Tom Dearden
Couldn't change the momentum of the game when thrown on midway through the second half, making just two runs for 11 metres.
Rating: 4
15. Lindsay Collins
Tried to impose his formidable presence on the Blues but was well handled by the NSW defence.
Rating: 5
16. Beau Fermor
Only got 17 minutes and four runs on debut but will be better for the experience.
Rating: 4
17. Trent Loiero
Another debutant who struggled with the pace of the game, may be a one game wonder when the Maroons make the inevitable changes for game two.
Rating: 3
Trent Loiero attempts to evade the Blues defensive line as he runs the ball for Queensland. Getty
New South Wales
1. Dylan Edwards
Justified his selection ahead of James Tedesco with a safe display under pressure… and the winning try.
Rating: 7.5
2. Brian To'o
Unlucky to be sin binned on halftime in a ludicrous decision, strong otherwise and bagged his customary try.
Rating: 8
3. Stephen Crichton
The most dangerous of the four centres on the night, showing real class to set up the opening try for Lomax.
Rating: 8
4. Latrell Mitchell
Had few chances but showed his class with a lovely try assist and a couple of other big plays.
Rating: 7
5. Zac Lomax
The man who doesn't like playing wing scored two first half tries… on the wing… to put the Blues on track for victory and with 200 run metres, was as good as anyone on the paddock.
Rating: 9
6. Mitchell Moses
Didn't do a lot individually but proved an efficient link to his outside men with his quick hands.
Rating: 7
7. Nathan Cleary
Coolly controlled the Blues' attack and kicked well in general play but had a shocker with his goalkicking.
Rating: 7.5
Nathan Cleary gets a hug from Latrell Mitchell after the Blues won Origin I. Getty
8. Mitchell Barnett
Strong up the middle, supporting Haas as the Blues won the battle of the big men.
Rating: 8
9. Reece Robson
Led the way in defence in the middle did again little with the ball with just four runs for 40 metres.
Rating: 6
10. Payne Haas
His big motor was instrumental in the win, grinding out more run metres than any forward on the field and constantly putting the Maroons on the back foot.
Rating: 9
11. Liam Martin
Quiet in attack but put a few of the Maroons off with his hard hitting and niggle in defence.
Rating: 6.5
12. Angus Crichton
Last year's man of the series was again a thorn in Queensland's side, creating the first try and making several half breaks.
Rating: 8
13. Isaah Yeo
A typical Yeo game, proving the perfect link between the forwards and backs with the ball and running for nearly 150 metres.
Rating: 8
14. Connor Watson
Only got 16 minutes of game time but managed to produce the pass to Edwards that sealed the win.
Rating: 5
15. Spencer Leniu
The pantomime villain of the night was surprisingly quiet, making just seven runs for 60 metres.
Rating: 5
16. Hudson Young
The best of the bench men on either team, lifting the intensity when he came on and making a series of telling runs.
Rating: 6
17. Max King
Justified his somewhat controversial selection with a busy defensive game and 100 run metres.
Rating: 6
