State of Origin: NSW Blues player ratings for game two

Troy Whittaker

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

NSW rebounded from a game one defeat with a crushing 38-6 victory over Queensland at Perth's Optus Stadium to keep the series alive.

Coach Brad Fittler's brave decision to make mass changes paid dividends with five-eighth James Maloney and previously injured outside back Tom Trbojevic starring on Blues return.

Read on to see how Sporting News rated each player.

 

JAMES TEDESCO - 8.5/10

Origin I rating: 9

Very rarely plays a bad game. Showed why he was named vice-captain with another sterling effort.

BLAKE FERGUSON – 7

Origin I rating: N/A

Helped get the Blues' sets rolling with his customary bustling carries. Repaid Fittler's faith.

TOM TRBOJEVIC – 10 

Origin I rating: N/A

A genuine superstar at just 22 years old. The hat-trick hero erased any concerns about his capabilities at centre with a five-star showing.

JACK WIGHTON – 7 

Origin I rating: 4

Started the match like a house on fire and didn't let anyone down throughout the 80 minutes. Gave his all and defended stoutly.

JOSH ADDO-CARR – 8.5

Origin I rating: 5

Ripped the Maroons to shreds in the second half. You can't put a price on blistering speed.

JAMES MALONEY – 9

Origin I rating: N/A

James Maloney

Outstanding. A few errors sprinkled into his performance, as always, but provided the direction and playmaking instincts that were sorely missed in game one.

NATHAN CLEARY – 6

Origin I rating: 5.5

Ankle injury stopped him from playing the second half. Defended well as usual and was solid if not spectacular in attack during his 40 minutes.

DANIEL SAIFITI - 7

Origin I rating: N/A

Plenty of eyebrows were raised at his selection but the big fella did what was required, running for more than 100 metres. Showed his intent from the outset.

DAMIEN COOK - 7.5

Origin I rating: 8.5

Like Tedesco, Cook hardly ever disappoints. Not his most explosive game but the rake was always scheming and tackling his heart out.

JAKE TRBOJEVIC - 9

Origin I rating: 8

Jake Trbojevic

The side's best forward. Herculean display to power through 73 minutes straight. Ran for 162 metres and made 30 tackles with no misses.

BOYD CORDNER - 7.5

Origin I rating: 6

A true captain's knock. Played strong, done good.

TYSON FRIZELL - 8

Origin I rating: 6

Went into beast mode tonight. Terrific aggression on both sides of the ball.

DALE FINUCANE - 7.5

Origin I rating: N/A

Built for Origin. A wise decision to start him at lock.

 

PAUL VAUGHAN - 7

Origin I rating: 6.5

Great impact from the bench, running for more than 100 metres. 

TARIQ SIMS - 6.5

Origin I rating: N/A

Played his role well. Kept the momentum going when he came on the field.

CAMERON MURRAY - 7

Origin I rating: 8/10

The result was all but sewn up when he was injected but still made his presence felt.

WADE GRAHAM - 8

Origin I rating: N/A

A masterstroke to pick him only two games back from a knee injury. So silky and versatile, slipped into the halves seamlessly in the second half.

Troy Whittaker