State of Origin: NSW Blues player ratings for game three

Troy Whittaker

State of Origin: NSW Blues player ratings for game three image

NSW secured a heartstopping 26-20 win at ANZ Stadium to become the first Blues side since 2005 to achieve successive series wins.

After a slow start, NSW took charge midway through the second half before fighting back against a Queensland surge to retain the shield.

Read on to see how Sporting News rated each Blues player in game three.

JAMES TEDESCO – 9.5

Origin I rating: Origin II rating: 8.5

Incredible. Without him, the Blues don't win. Simple as that. A very well deserved man-of-the-series.

 

BLAKE FERGUSON – 8.5

Origin I rating: N/A Origin II rating: 7

His carries out of trouble were invaluable. Set up the thrilling match-winner with a brilliant tip-toeing effort down the touchline.

TOM TRBOJEVIC – 6

Origin I rating: N/A Origin II rating: 10

After his sublime game two display, his threat was largely nullified. Still hasn't lost an official match in 2019.

JACK WIGHTON – 7

Origin I rating:  Origin II rating:  7

Always tries his guts out. Looked more comfortable at this level with each game in the series.

JOSH ADDO-CARR – 7.5

Origin I rating:  Origin II rating:  8.5

Josh Addo-Carr

Eased the pressure on his team with a few bustling runs out of trouble when the going was tough.

JAMES MALONEY – 7

Origin I rating:  N/A  Origin II rating:  9

Wasn't allowed to dominate like he did in Origin II, but helped guide NSW home again. Born winner.

MITCHELL PEARCE – 6.5

Origin I rating:  N/A  Origin II rating:  N/A

For 79 minutes and 30 seconds, he produced nothing spectacular. Then he banked on a beautiful lofted pass to spark the winning try. Redemption is sweet.

DANIEL SAIFITI – 4

Origin I rating:  N/A  Origin II rating:  7

Largely ineffective opening stint and wasn't seen again.

DAMIEN COOK – 9

Origin I rating:  8.5  Origin II rating:  7.5

Damien Cook

How good is he? A perennial threat around the ruck and he caught Queensland out in the second half.

DAVID KLEMMER - 7

Origin I rating: 7.5  Origin II rating:  N/A

Not the enforcer we've come to know in the opening exchanges but was much stronger in the second stanza.

BOYD CORDNER - 7.5

Origin I rating:  Origin II rating:  7.5

Didn't stop. Dented the defence with his carries and tackled his heart out. 

TYSON FRIZELL - 7

Origin I rating:  6 Origin II rating: 8

Tyson Frizell

Virtually unsighted in attack but worked himself to a standstill in defence with 45 tackles.

JAKE TRBOJEVIC - 7

Origin I rating: 8  Origin II rating:  9

Solid as ever, though not quite at the standard of his first two performances in the series. Looked to ball-play a little too much in the first half when NSW was on the back foot.

PAUL VAUGHAN - 8

Origin I rating: 6.5  Origin II rating:  7

Along with Dale Finucane, he reinvigorated NSW with his energy. Showed pure determination to score a try.

DALE FINUCANE - 8

Origin I rating: N/A  Origin II rating: 7.5

Made a noticeable difference to the side's intensity when he came on and helped swing the momentum. Will be in blue for years to come.

CAMERON MURRAY - 7.5

Origin I rating:  8  Origin II rating: 7

His fresh legs carved up Queensland in the second half. The future of NSW.

WADE GRAHAM - 4

Origin I rating:  N/A  Origin II rating:  8

Wasn't able to make his mark on the fixture after sustaining a suspected torn hamstring.

Troy Whittaker