Blues player ratings: State of Origin game one
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Player ratings for the NSW Blues from game one of the 2019 State of Origin series.
1. James Tedesco: Electrifying first-half display from the game's best fullback. His dazzling feet set up the opening try for Morris and he finished with 30 runs for 267 metres runs but a dropped ball on kick return in the 70th minute gave the Maroons the chance to wrap it up. 8.5/10
2. Nick Cotric: Did nothing wrong in first half but came in too far and opened up space for Corey Oates to score the Maroons first try. Limited opportunities in attack and looked to pick up a leg injury in the second term. 6
3. Latrell Mitchell: Seemed out of sorts in the first 40 and was outpointed by arch-rival Will Chambers. Sent to the sin bin midway through the second half for a professional foul on Matt Gillett and the Maroons capitalised. Not his best night. 5.5
4. Josh Morris: The veteran centre made an impressive return to the Origin arena with a try and plenty of strong defensive work. Had eight tackle breaks in the first half. 7.5
Tedesco sets up Morris
5. Josh Addo-Carr: The left side defence of the Blues looked shaky all night and the Storm winger was found out more than once. Used his blinding speed to run down Chambers in the 30th minute to save a try. 6.5
6. Cody Walker: No real influence in the first half and was replaced 15 minutes into the second half. Played a key role in Jake Trbojevic's try which gave the Blues a late sniff but overall had very few opportunities to show his off-the-cuff skills. 5
7. Nathan Cleary: Did all that was asked of him with a solid kicking game and made his tackles. Seven kicks for 217 kick metres in first half and then Cook took over more of the kicking after the break. 7
8. David Klemmer: Unbelievable first half from the enforcer of the Blues pack. Played the entire first half and made 129 metres from 12 quality hit-ups and 25 tackles. Less effective in the second half but a powerful showing. 8.5
9. Damien Cook: Explosive out of dummy half and gave the Maroons headaches all night with his speed and footwork. Forming a lethal combination with James Tedesco. High work rate in defence with 45 tackles. 8.5
10. Paul Vaughan: Strong opening to the game with nine runs for 80 metres before he was rested. Set the tone with Klemmer early but was well contained after the break as the Maroons forwards took control. 6.5
Trbojevic gives NSW a chance
11. Boyd Cordner: Another captain's knock, getting through a power of work in defence with 34 tackles. Understated leader but always effective. 7
12. Tyson Frizell: Just seven runs for 44 metres in first stint of 30 minutes and played only another 10 minutes for the match. 6
13. Jake Trbojevic: Always tries his heart out and finished with 17 runs for 130 metres and grabbed a late try in 50 minutes of game time. 7
Interchange:
14. Jack Wighton: Sent into the game by Brad Fittler with 25 minutes to go and had a kick charged down and threw an intercept pass which Dane Gagai swooped on to score. 4.5
15. Payne Haas: Thrown into the Origin cauldron after 22 minutes. Made 14 tackles in 18 minutes in first half and finished with 31 tackles and no misses. Conceded a silly penalty on David Fifita as the Maroons gained momentum. 6.5
16. Cameron Murray: Got his boarding pass after 30 minutes and enhanced his reputation with rock solid game although a bad turnover early in second half when he didn't get to his feet to play the ball. 7
17. Angus Crichton: Played 52 minutes and struggled to make an impact. 5
