Player ratings for the Queensland Maroons team in their State of Origin I clash with the NSW Blues at Adelaide Oval.
1. AJ Brimson: Huge numbers on debut - 20 runs for 167 metres. Terrific support play and skill to collect a kick on the fly to score, sparking Queensland's second-half resurgence. 7.5/10
2. Xavier Coates: The youngest player on the field but the 19-year-old showed composure beyond his years and experience to finish a try. Eighteen runs for 123 metres during a capable debut. 7
18. Kurt Capewell: With all due respect, this makeshift centre would have been astronomical odds to present as Queensland's hero. But a hero he was with a phenomenal second-half display that included a powerful line break to set up a try. Popped up everywhere with 18 runs for 151 metres. 8.5
4. Dane Gagai: Among his state's best. Looked the most likely to produce points in the first half when momentum was against the Maroons. Delivered after the break when he tore up the sideline and sent Coates over. 8
5. Phillip Sami: Caught in-field on a couple of occasions, but saved an early try with Brimson's assistance and did well to force an error when Josh Addo-Carr kicked for himself in the closing stages. Ran for 142 metres. 6.5
Capewell brushes past Gutherson, sets up Brimson
6.Cameron Munster: Fresh off his premiership celebrations, the five-eighth took his time warming to the occasion but produced a massive play to toe ahead a loose ball and dash away to score in the 65th minute. Class when it counted. 7.5
7. Daly Cherry-Evans: An early mixed bag from the captain. Didn't dwell on the not-so-flash moments and helped steer his troops to victory. Threatened with his running game and nailed three clutch sideline conversions after shanking an early penalty attempt. 8.5
8. Christian Welch: A HIA ended his night after 27 minutes on the park. Acquitted himself well in that time with some strong charges. 6
9. Jake Friend: Did what he does at club level - worked extremely hard and put his body on the line. Wasn't a standout, and Queensland could have used some extra spark from dummy-half at times, but a solid debut. 6
10. Josh Papalii: Impactful opening stint. Queensland were on top early when he was dominating the middle. Finished off the match strongly. 7.5
11. Felise Kaufusi: Continued his NRL form with another good effort. Reliable performer who stood tall even with a late sin-binning that luckily wasn't costly. 7.5
Welcome to Origin, Xavier Coates
12. Coen Hess: Off after 33 minutes and didn't leave much of an impression. Jaydn Su'A may challenge him for a starting berth in game two. 5
13. Tino Faasuamaleaui: Strong debut. Very busy from the get-go. Will be a key component of the Maroons pack for years to come based on his maiden showing. 7.5
Interchange
14. Ben Hunt: The team improved upon his injection as an extra playmaker in the middle. Started the chain of events for Queensland's second try with a jinking run and offload in his own end. 7
Munster scores as the Maroons lift
15. Lindsay Collins: Helped swing the momentum in the second term with some line-denting carries amounting to 115 metres. 7.5
16. Jai Arrow: His leg speed was noticeable. Like Collins, he was a key part of turning the tide in the Maroons' favour. 7.5
17. Jaydn Su'A: Didn't look out of place at all. Wouldn't surprise if he was elevated into the run-on team sooner than later. 7
The views in this article do not necessarily express the opinions of the NRL, ARLC, NRL clubs or state associations.
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