NRL.com rates the performances of all 17 NSW VB Blues players in Holden State of Origin Game One.
1. Josh Dugan
Never reached the heights of Jarryd Hayne but his positional play in terms of kick returns and support plays was outstanding. It showed in his integral role in the Blues' first try. 7.5/10
2. Will Hopoate
Peppered earlier on with plenty of Queensland kicks and held his own, however didn't offer much in attack especially when it came to dummy-half scoots. 5/10
3. Michael Jennings
Gave NSW a tiny spark in attack but struggled in defence when the Queensland defence came running his way, evident in his miss on Cooper Cronk for the Maroons' first try. 5.5/10
4. Josh Morris
The centre put forward another memorable Origin performance by keeping his opposite centre Greg Inglis quiet all night and saving an Aidan Guerra try. His fend caused plenty of problems too and his speed showed in the Blues' first try. 8/10
5. Daniel Tupou
The winger struggled to keep up with the intensity of the game and his few errors and poor defensive reads showed it. 4.5/10
6. Mitch Pearce
While the Blues may have lost the game, Pearce's return to the Origin arena was a positive one. Was offered of plenty of space and kept the shape of the backs intact which showed when he set up Beau Scott's try. His kicking game and defence remained solid. 7/10
7. Trent Hodkinson
Didn't do anything outstanding but did enough to justify selection for Origin II. Stuck to the game plan and gave Pearce and his forwards plenty of room to move. 7/10
8. Aaron Woods
Arguably the best player on the paddock, Woods set the platform for the Blues early on and finished the game as good as he started in both facets of his football. 9/10
9. Robbie Farah
An inspiration in the middle of the paddock, the captain kept the ball rolling out of dummy half and was a rock in defence after producing 61 tackles for no misses. 8.5/10
10. James Tamou
Got a bit lazy in the second half in defence but offered plenty for the Blues up front. His offload from halfway in the first 40 to initially set up Morris's try was the memorable moment to come out of the front-rower's game. 8/10
11. Beau Scott
Made his mark early in terms of tagging Johnathan Thurston off the ball and proved he was no slouch either, with four tackle breaks and a try. 7.5/10
12. Ryan Hoffman
The Blues' Mr Consistency, Hoffman showed why he is the reigning Brad Fittler Medallist after putting together a solid 80 minute performance. 7/10
13. Josh Jackson
The debutant gave away an early penalty but chipped in on backline movements and defence on what was a competent first Origin showing for the lock. 6/10
14. Trent Merrin
Didn't come on until the 58th minute but made his presence known when Laurie Daley unleashed him. Did however give away a crucial penalty. 5/10
15. Boyd Cordner
Played out of position at lock but did a good enough job coming off the bench by making plenty of tackles. 5.5/10
16. David Klemmer
The big fella didn't look overawed by the occasion and had four players hanging off him ready to rumble late in proceedings. Put forward plenty of runs which put pressure on the Queensland defence. 6/10
17. Andrew Fifita
Proved a capable replacement in terms of taking over from the starting props but lacked the impact off the bench which was expected from him. 6/10
This article first appeared on NRL.com
