State of Origin 2024 Game 3: Queensland Maroons player ratings

Joshua Mayne

State of Origin 2024 Game 3: Queensland Maroons player ratings image

Queensland and New South Wales did battle in a brutal and absorbing State of Origin decider.

Tryless for the majority of the match, it was a highly physical affair, with the home side holding strong defensively.

However, in the final 15 minutes, they let in two quick tries as fatigue appeared to hinder the team as the Blues claimed a historic 14-4 win to lift the shield in enemy territory.

Here's how each Maroons player fared.

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    State of Origin 2024 Game 3: Queensland Maroons player ratings

    Reece Walsh - 7

    Was battered and bruised after giving it his all for the full 80. Showed off his rapid speed and always looked to create attacking opportunities. Defused plenty of bombs and was ever-present as part of the backline. Made a key passing error as Queensland had NSW retreating.

    Selwyn Cobbo - 6

    Had a tough start as he was pushed into his in-goal early. However, he grew in confidence as the game went on and made some great catches under pressure. 

    Dane Gagai - 5

    Partly responsible for the opening try of the game, taking the show from Luai before being muscled off by Best. Missed five tackles in a lacklustre showing. Did churn through 135 run metres, though.

    Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow - 6

    Not his best showing in this series but still an important part of the team. Was strong in the kick chase and gradually grew in attacking influence, although couldn't find much space. Let Moses slip through for NSW's dagger try.

    MORE: NSW Blues player ratings for Game 3

    Valentine Holmes - 7

    A much-improved performance from Holmes. Gave away an offside penalty early but was disciplined for the remainder of the match. Made some good catches under pressure and was intelligent defensively.

    Tom Dearden - 8

    Was fearless in defence, making plenty of hefty tackles on bigger opponents. Executed a big hit on Martin which forced an error. Also made a classy line break in the first half and always threatened with the ball in hand.

    Daly Cherry-Evans - 7

    As expected, led his team well from the middle. Was strong defensively, executing a crucial ankle tap on Best and later forcing a Luai error. Coughed up the ball at a key stage in the second half.

    Moeaki Fotuaika - 6

    Drafted in as a starter and played his role in a brutal opening period. Had a couple of barnstorming runs into the Blues' line but didn't exactly stand out.

    Harry Grant - 7

    Selected over Hunt to start, and it appeared to be the right choice. He was tough in defence and typically sly in attack. Executed a nice 'scoop and run' before catching some markers offside to flip the momentum. Let Moses past him for the sealing try and tired late.

    Felise Kaufusi - 5

    Was an unlikely starter but only played for 16 minutes. Made two runs and seven tackles in a physical opening stint.

    Reuben Cotter - 8

    Notched a half-century of tackles, so he can be excused for missing a few. Was always involved for Queensland and ever-present in their chasing pack. A strong showing.

    Kurt Capewell - 6

    Gave away two penalties for tipping and a late hit, respectively. Didn't quite match the level of some of his fellow forwards. Got through a mountain of work in defence, though.

    Pat Carrigan - 9

    A tackling and metre-eating machine. Played the full 80 and didn't dip in his performance level. Set the tone in terms of physicality and effort and didn't stop all night. Queensland's best. 

    Ben Hunt - 5

    Had a new role off the pine but didn't last long after an unfortunate head knock. Returned to the field in the second half and was solid.

    Lindsay Collins - 6.5

    Showed great effort when it came to tackling. Didn't have as much influence in attack as usual, although his opportunities were limited off the bench.

    Jeremiah Nanai - 6

    Sent to the sin-bin for his role in the first-half flare-up. Had some strong moments of goal-line defence and was physical off the bench. Not particularly strong running the ball.

    Kalyn Ponga - 6.5

    Was an instant lift once introduced mid-way through the second half. Wasted no time taking on the NSW defence and created a couple of opportunities. Lack of discipline as he gave away a penalty after Best's try.

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    Joshua Mayne

    Joshua Mayne Photo

    Joshua Mayne is a content producer for The Sporting News Australia based in Sydney, Australia. He has previously worked as a newsreader at 2SER and journalist at Ministry of Sport. While Joshua’s main passions are football, rugby league, basketball and F1, he will watch any sport that's on. He is still waiting for Arsenal to win the Premier League again.