NRL.com rates the performances of all 17 Queensland XXXX Maroons players in Holden State of Origin Game One.

NSW player ratings
Report: Queensland take early series advantage

 

1. Billy Slater 

Unsurprisingly was never caught out of position and a constant presence in attack. Had a try dissallowed but assisted for Chambers to tie the scores. 7/10

2. Darius Boyd 

A disappointing first half that included being beaten to the ball by Josh Morris for the Blues opener. Was better in the second half. 5/10 

3.Greg Inglis 

A night to forget for GI, who seemed hampered by an interrupted preperation. Was virtually unsighted for much of the game. 3/10

4. Justin Hodges 

The veteran gave the Blues crowd a stirring performance to remember him by. Covered the threat of Daniel Tupou well and gave the Maroons crucial metres when they needed them most down the stretch. 7/10

5. Will Chambers 

Outstanding all night. Stiff not to take man-of-the-match honors with a game-high 228 metres and a crucial first Origin try that leveled the scores. 9/10  

6. Johnathan Thurston 

Looked dangerous without being damaging but as the game wore on helped the Maroons control field position. Missed a 45m kick with 10 minutes to play but that is now forgotten amidst the joys of victory. 7/10

7. Cooper Cronk 

Kicked the game-winning field goal, scored the game's opening try and had a hand in the Maroons' second. Controlled the game with his boot in the second half and showed how much his state missed him 12 months ago. 9/10

8. Matt Scott

A workhorse at both ends and was part of a forward pack that simply outlasted the Blues big men as the game wore on. 6/10

9. Cameron Smith 

Surprisingly pipped his Storm teammates in Cronk and Chambers to be named Man of the Match as he Tormented NSW all night with quick plays from dummy half, one that led to the Cronk try. A maestro and a typical captain's performance. 7/10

10. Nate Myles

Had a tough ask containing Aaron Woods but got the better of him in the second half. Had some errors but was certainly not poor. 6/10

11. Aidan Guerra

Led the way in defense with some bone-crunching tackles that shook the opposition. Helped keep NSW at bay in the second half. 7/10

12. Sam Thaiday

Was in it all again, including a scuffle at full-time. It was his quick play-the-ball that lead to Cronk's opener and when the tough moments came, Thaiday was there. 7/10

13. Corey Parker

Was very busy early when the heat was on. Came to the bench in the first half and never really got going after that. 5/10

14. Michael Morgan

Came on late in the first half and made way for Parker on 54 minutes. Managed to make 10 tackles in limited game time. 5/10

15. Josh McGuire

Seemed to thrive on the Origin stage. Entered the fray after 20 minutes and wanted to be in everything from then on. Plenty of promise from the debutant. 7/10

16. Matt Gillett

Did not get his hands on the footy until the 59th minute and like Morgan played his role with limited minutes. 5/10

17. Jacob Lillyman

Got stuck in straight after coming on just short of the half hour mark and gave the Maroons some grunt off the bench. 6/10

Five key points from Origin I
Daley to stick with Blues halves
Patience a virtue for Queensland
Storm stars look to the MCG
We can hold our heads high: Tamou
Thurston pleased to get one over Scott
Daley rapt with Blues defence