The Mole's Origin III player ratings: Maroons star's form 'totally went missing' after benching

In one of the most bruising State of Origin deciders of all-time the Blues emerged with a classy second half for an incredible 14-4 win that consigned their miserable history in Suncorp deciders to the scrapheap.

The stunning victory gave NSW a rare come from behind series win after they were humbled on their home ground in Origin I.

Coach Michael Maguire responded from that game one loss with several series defining selection changes and some clever tactics to turn the series on its head.

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But it was the players on the park that sealed their place in Origin history.

So who were the studs and who were the duds out of the 34 players from both sides. Wide World of Sports' The Mole pulls no punches as he rates every player's performance.

QUEENSLAND MAROONS

1. Reece Walsh

Played through the pain of leg and chest injuries but still the most dangerous Queenslander on the paddock.

Rating: 7.5

2. Selwyn Cobbo

Like most of the outside backs, saw little ball in attacking positions but safe under pressure.

Rating: 6

3. Dane Gagai

Missed five tackles - including one on Knights teammate Bradman Best - that proved the turning point of the game.

Rating: 5

4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

Well marked by the Blues defence and never got a chance to show his blistering pace with the football.

Rating: 4.5

5. Valentine Holmes

Scored the Maroons' only points but didn't get enough ball from his inside men to make an impact.

Rating: 5

6. Tom Dearden

Made one of the few breaks in the first half but lost his way a little as the Blues stormed home in the second.

Rating: 5.5

7. Daly Cherry-Evans

What may be his final Origin game wasn't among his best, not producing enough creativity in attack to worry the Blues.

Rating: 5

15. Moeaki Fotuaika

Got a late call-up to the starting side and was solid without doing anything spectacular.

Rating: 5

14. Harry Grant

For the second straight Origin, was well contained by the Blues defence and missed a vital tackle on Moses that sealed the game.

Rating: 4.5

16. Felise Kaufusi

For an experienced campaigner was barely noticed - two runs for four metres not good enough.

Rating: 3

8. Reuben Cotter

A busy game in attack and defence but was kept fairly quiet by the well disciplined Blue wall.

Rating: 5.5

11. Kurt Capewell

Tried to spark the Maroons' attack out wide but just didn't get enough opportunities.

Rating: 6

13. Patrick Carrigan

Led the Maroons in run metres and tackles - an inspirational performance few of his mates matched.

Rating: 8

9. Ben Hunt

His club form totally went missing - didn't make a single run at hooker as the Blues dominated the forward exchanges.

Rating: 3

10. Lindsay Collins

Targeted by the Blues as a dangerman, he had little impact on the game up the middle.

Rating: 4

12. Jeremiah Nanai

Another disappointing Maroon, sin binned, missing Moses when he scored and running for just 30 metres.

Rating: 3

17. Kalyn Ponga

Was given the job of saving the game in the last 30 minutes and tried hard but simply couldn't break down the superb Blues defence.

Rating: 5

NSW BLUES

1. Dylan Edwards

Another amazing metre-eating effort, running for well over 200 metres and always safe in defence.

Rating: 7.5

2. Brian To'o

Had virtually no chances with any time or space at the end of the backline yet still carved out over 150 metres.

Rating: 6

3. Bradman Best

Dropped a couple of passes early but then came up with the try that turned the finale. Three tries in two Origins now.

Rating: 7

4. Stephen Crichton

A strong running game with some fine touches, but bombed the best chance of the first half when he dropped the ball over the tryline.

Rating: 7

5. Zac Lomax

Now unchallenged as the best winger in the game, running for over 150 metres, kicking some pressure goals and flying high to take bombs.

Rating: 7.5

6. Jarome Luai

Came up with the play that turned the series, making a break from nothing to set up Best for the opening try.

Rating: 8

7. Mitchell Moses

Quiet in the first half when there was little open football but sealed the series with his fine solo try 12 minutes from the finish.

Rating: 8

8. Jake Trbojevic

Again used very little - 23 minutes and three runs as captain. Strange… but it worked!

Rating: 5

9. Reece Robson

Not the most creative hooker in NSW but tough, hard and held the middle together in defence.

Rating: 6.5

10. Payne Haas

Kept to 110 metres by the Maroons defence but always looked a threat and poked through the line more than once.

Rating: 6.5

11. Liam Martin

Lived up to his bully boy reputation, playing with plenty of aggro and topping the Blues' tackle count.

Rating: 7.5

12. Angus Crichton

Recovered from an early head knock to play a key role in the Blues' win - one of the most dangerous forwards on the field.

Rating: 8.5

13. Cameron Murray

Will be in strife after getting involved in a scuffle from the bench, getting sin binned… but he won't care.

Rating: 6.5

14. Connor Watson

Only played the last 16 minutes but made them count, lifting the intensity and running well from dummy half.

Rating: 6

15. Isaah Yeo

Came from the bench to run for more metres than any forward on the field, providing a link between the forwards and backs in attack.

Rating: 8

16. Mitchell Barnett

Only made 67 metres in his debut but came up with 30 bone-rattling tackles and will be better for it.

Rating: 6

17. Spencer Leniu

Showed plenty of desire and hunger from the bench, lifting the intensity when he got his chance in the middle.

Rating: 6.5