Player ratings for the NSW Blues to Game 2 of the 2019 Holden State of Origin series.
1. James Tedesco: The most dangerous ball runner in the NRL was at his electric best when setting up a try for Tom Trbojevic. Just because he plays this well all the time (209m, two try assists) doesn't mean it shouldn't be appreciated. 8.5/10
2. Blake Ferguson: Aside from one glaring first-half error, did exactly what coach Fittler wanted him to do. Ran the ball strongly (170m) and served as another forward when the Blues were in their own half. 7.5
3. Tom Trbojevic: Proof that you can put top-level players just about anywhere and they will perform. Brilliant work for the first try and then added another two four-pointers following great work from team-mates. Did exactly what Latrell Mitchell didn't do in game one. 9
Turbo-charged Tom reflects on Origin hat-trick
4. Jack Wighton: Didn't look out of place in the centres. Was one of four NSW outside backs to run for big metres. The plan worked a treat as he clocked up 145m. Outplayed Will Chambers with ease. There's no chance of him losing his spot for game three. 7
Match: Maroons v Blues
Game 2 -
home Team
Maroons
away Team
Blues
Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
5. Josh Addo-Carr: The Telstra Tracker's best friend turned in something special. Combined natural speed with knowing the right time to show his wares. Cashed in on the hard work of the rest of the Blues. Deserved his two tries. 7.5
6. James Maloney: A couple of forward passes (one of which cost NSW a try) weren't great, but the Blues were a better side with him on the field. Came into his own when Cleary was off in the second half. 7.5
7. Nathan Cleary: An ankle injury ended his night after 40 minutes after being caught in a mass of bodies when tackled. Didn't do anything incredible with the ball but forced two turnovers with his defence. 5
8. Daniel Saifiti: Couldn't have asked much more from him on debut. Wasn't overly busy, but his low tackle count (15) wasn't due to him shirking his duties. Ran for 100m in 34 minutes. There's no reason he won't be there for Game 3. 6
9. Damien Cook: Was it by design that he only made four runs in the first half? Even his first-half tackle count (20) was low by his standards. Was busier in the second half. Like the other NSW plans for game two, this one worked a treat. 6.5
13. Jake Trbojevic: Didn't want his brother to have the limelight all to himself. Worked himself to a standstill during his 73 minutes. Ran for 162m and made 30 tackles. Easily the best middle forward on the field. 8.5
Get Caught Up: Representative Round
11. Boyd Cordner: The 15 minutes he spent off the field in the first half for a HIA proved a blessing in disguise. That avoided a repeat of an utterly exhausted Blues skipper dragging himself around the field in the last 15 minutes that we saw in game one. NSW benefited. 6.5
12. Tyson Frizell: Was busier in attack than defence. Chances were far from plentiful but crashed over for an important early try. 7
14. Dale Finucane: Everyone said he was made for Origin. They were right. In game one he looked like a 20-game veteran. Provided plenty of steel in the middle third of the field, particularly in the first half. 7.5
Interchange
15. Tariq Sims: Didn't get a lot of game time (25 minutes) but gave NSW another hard-running forward during his time on the field. The Blues win all but ensures he will be there for game three. 5.5
Graham puts a kick in for Addo-Carr to score
16. Cameron Murray: Wasn't sighted in the first half. Had eight runs for 77m during 32 minutes of game time. 6
17. Wade Graham: His worth to the team was shown when Cleary left the field. After filling in for Cordner in the first half, he then played in the halves during the second 40 minutes. Big, tough and skilful - he's got it all. 7.5
10. Paul Vaughan: Split minutes with Saifiti to ensure the Blues had a recognised prop on the field at all times. Racked up 100 running meters from his first 10 runs. Made a huge difference once he came onto the field. 7.5
