NSW Blues player ratings: State of Origin III
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The Blues came up short in game three after securing their first State of Origin series win since 2014. Here's how we rated their 17 at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night.
1. James Tedesco: Took a leaf out of James Maloney's playbook with a pinpoint pass… sending Val Holmes on a 90-metre jaunt to the try line. Otherwise marshalled the Blues' goal-line defence superbly and found redemption with a try right on half-time. 7/10
2. Tom Trbojevic: Didn't get a look-in for 37 minutes, then pulled a rabbit out of the hat with a long-range intercept of his own. If he doesn't take that ball Queensland score again and have NSW well and truly on the ropes. Couldn't have done much more. 7.5
3. Latrell Mitchell: Belted Billy Slater, both within and outside the rulebook. The one time the champion fullback found him out, Queensland scored. Quietest night of the series with little attacking chances coming his way. 5
4. James Roberts: Had his hands full with Dane Gagai on his edge and just managed to hold him out. Fair effort and a testament to his improved defence in the last 12 months. Still yet to unleash on the Origin stage, but it's not as if he let opportunities pass him by. 6.5
5. Josh Addo-Carr: Like Trbojevic, had to wait an age for a sniff, then almost turned the match on its head with a long break with two minutes to play. Went looking for work and finished with 140 metres. 6
Match Highlights: Maroons v Blues
6. James Maloney: Scrambled as well as anyone defending the NSW line but wound up in the bin when he took out Slater as he pursued a try. Rocks and diamonds again with some telling defensive plays and some equally critical errors. 6
7. Nathan Cleary: Once more did his best work in defence, more than holding his own in the line and covering a couple of kicks that had Queensland points all over them. Looked more comfortable steering the side without Maloney out there, but struggled to take charge with the game on the line. 6
8. David Klemmer: Stood tall early as Queensland hammered away but his second stint won't be remembered fondly. Left for dead by Cameron Munster in the lead-up to Daly Cherry-Evans' four-pointer and gave away a tripping penalty when NSW looked ripe for a comeback try. 5.5
9. Damien Cook: Produced the Blues' only two attacking raids of the first 40 – can lay claim to being the best dummy-half runner in the game. Was found out by Munster as well but his 46 tackles were the most of anyone out there. 7.5
10. Paul Vaughan: Great physicality on his own line and made more tackles (24) than any otheron the paddock in his first stint. Only got one run in but Queensland enjoyed over 70 per cent of possession when he was out there. 5.5
11. Boyd Cordner: Put his hand up more than any other for the tough carries again and worked himself to a standstill. Fine captains' knock. 7
12. Tyson Frizell: One hell of a chase when Holmes ran in that intercept try, the play that summed up the Blues resolved more than any other. Barely got a crack with the ball in hand. 6.5
13. Jack de Belin: Strong off the bench with the usual hard-hitting and willingness for a tough run. The different role didn't faze him. 6.5
14. Tariq Sims: Started with a thundering shot on Corey Oates, then drove Ben Hunt back several metres after half-time. Unfortunately Sims was attacking at the time, with one of the dumbest penalties seen in Origin leading to Holmes' second try for the night. Otherwise very strong off the bench, but an inexcusable brain snap. 4
15. Jake Trbojevic: Started for the first time this series but still packed the same impact he's had from the bench. Tireless in defence with 44 tackles, and the Blues best under serious fire from the Maroons middles. 8
16. Angus Crichton: Got through his work well with 30 tackles and 12 runs off the bench. But did blow a golden ticket with a pass behind James Roberts as open pasture loomed. 6
17. Tyrone Peachey: Threatened as much as anyone with the game in the balance and packed seven carries into his nine minutes of game time. Decent crack. 5
