Player ratings for the NSW Blues team in their State of Origin III clash with the Queensland Maroons at Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast.
1. James Tedesco: Irrepressible from the back, constantly probing around the ruck, everywhere in support and busted tackles at will. Another genuine captain's knock and the best of a beaten side. 9
2. Brian To'o: A relentless ball of energy on the left wing once again, making more metres than any Blue bar Tedesco and always putting his hand up for the tough stuff out of yardage. One notable error under a high ball but otherwise safe. 7
3. Latrell Mitchell: Involved in everything, with an error and escort penalty handing Queensland chances to score a penalty goal and a try respectively in the first half but made amends with a couple of huge plays and danced through for Blues' first try. Missed a very tough penalty goal chance to level up on full-time. 6
4. Tom Trbojevic: Involved in some huge moments, tackling Munster into touch, making a second-half line break and offering a constant threat under attacking kicks. Not quite the same impact as the previous two games but still excellent in capping off a well-earned Wally Lewis Medal-winning series. 7
5. Josh Addo-Carr: A second very quiet game out of three for the Storm speedster with just 54 run metres and little impact in attack. 4
Mitchell making the tough look easy
6. Jack Wighton: Strong running game earned him a crucial second-half try but his work as a playmaker left plenty to be desired. His kicking game in particular is simply nowhere near good enough for this level with two seven-tackle sets given away – two more than NSW conceded in the first two games. 4.5
7. Mitchell Moses: Defence was excellent from the outset with a number of crucial one-on-one tackles. Almost unsighted in attack in the opening half but got better as the game went on, setting up Wighton's try with a nice pass and Koroisau's with a brilliant kick. Long kicking game was reliably good but lack of cohesion from the two halves a big problem for NSW. 5.5
18. Dale Finucane: Excellent in the middle in his Origin return. Made the most metres of the Blues pack and didn't miss a tackle, although one error on the Maroons' line was costly. 7
9. Damien Cook: Ran the ball more than in previous games as the Blues needed more help in attack. Defended well with 33 tackles and none missed. Given a 25-minute spell in the second half. 7
10. Junior Paulo: His lack of mobility was a huge factor in Queensland's first try with the Maroons finding much more success through the middle this time around and not as much impact with his running game. 5.5
Wighton doing what he does best
11. Cameron Murray: Brilliant in defence early shoring up the right edge and made a team-high 40 tackles with none missed. Gave up a ruck penalty for Queensland's opening goal. Found his running game a little more in this one but one uncharacteristic error on the attack was costly. 6.5
12. Tariq Sims: Another physical effort on the left edge from Sims, who has come of age as an Origin player this year. Was partially complicit in Hunt's first try but can be proud of his efforts this series. 6.5
13. Isaah Yeo: Another tireless effort in the middle from the Panthers lock but his brilliant link play was scuppered by the absence of his regular Panthers halves partners. 7
Koroisau gets a four-pointer on debut for NSW
Interchange
14. Apisai Koroisau: Brought on after 52 minutes and looked at home from the outset. Great desperation to score on debut from a Moses kick. Only given 23 minutes but made them count. 5
15. Angus Crichton: Gave away a silly penalty shortly after getting on but ran the ball strongly thereafter with 106 metres from just nine runs. His four busts was the most of any forward on the park. 6
16. Payne Haas: Powerful off the bench in another big-minute stint, carrying defenders on his back with every carry. Caught out on the Blues' try-line in Ben Hunt's first try and could have done better on Hunt's second. 6
17. Liam Martin: Only given 28 minutes off the bench but, as in the first two games, got stuck into his work from the second he hit the field. 5.5
The views in this article do not necessarily express the opinions of the NRL, ARLC, NRL clubs or state associations.
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