NSW has sent the Holden State of Origin series to a decider with a 26-18 win at a record crowd at the MCG. NRL.com rates the performances of all 17 NSW VB Blues players in Holden State of Origin Game Two.
1. Josh Dugan
Scored the match-sealing try and offered solid service all night but didn't do anything groundbreaking. 7/10.
2. Brett Morris
Helped his forwards out all night and did his Origin legacy no harm. 6/10.
3. Michael Jennings
After a very ordinary Origin I, Jennings was an absolute star and strike weapon for NSW this time around as proven by his try and seven tackle breaks. 9/10.
4. Josh Morris
Scored the Blues' second try but wasn't as effective marking up against Greg Inglis this time around. Scrambled well in defence at times but was otherwise kept very quiet all game. 5.5/10.
5. Will Hopoate
Improved exponentially from his Origin I showing. Wasn't as rushed, proved vital in attack and even pulled off a great try-saving tackle on Inglis late in the first half. 6.5/10.
6. Mitch Pearce
Pearce's performance was solid, but he also had a little luck at times, something he hasn't had a lot of in the Origin arena. Set up Josh Morris's try with his first kick of the game but had a couple of 50/50 calls go his way. 6/10.
7. Trent Hodkinson
The cool head that coach Laurie Daley has been chasing from Hodkinson all series shined. His lack of kicking simplified his game and promisingly took the line on a bit more. Also set up the match-winner for Dugan. 7.5/10.
8. Aaron Woods
Matched his impact from Origin I early and started his second stint in the game by scoring a bullocking try, that changed momentum of the game. 8.5/10.
9. Robbie Farah
Nowhere near as effective as he was in Origin I but finished the game with a game-high 47 tackles and commanded a fair chunk of the kicking. 7/10.
10. James Tamou
His excellent offload within the first three minutes kick-started the Blues' scoring play similarly to Origin I. Was a solid contributor across the game. 6.5/10.
11. Beau Scott
Oddly benched for the majority for the second half but put forward a tough performance in the first 40. 5.5/10.
12. Ryan Hoffman
Arguably NSW's best, Hoffman overcome a concussion test and stuck it to the Maroons all night long in both attack and defence. 9/10.
13. Paul Gallen
Gave away three early penalties and his poor defence saw Matt Gillett score, however it didn't stop Gallen put forward a performance expected of him. 6.5/10.
Interchange
14. Trent Merrin
Unlike Game One, Merrin was given the go-ahead early on when Gallen came off with a rib complaint. Stayed on for the most of the game from there, played with plenty of enthusiasm and was a mad man in terms of defence and offloading. 7/10.
15. Boyd Cordner
Didn't have much game time. However his defence late on the game was admirable. 4.5/10.
16. David Klemmer
Frustrated the Maroons out of the game late and his impact throughout the game was fierce, fiery and memorable. 8/10.
17. Josh Jackson
Came on late in the first half for no reward, and also gave away a crucial fifth tackle penalty to hand Queensland their third try. Offered very little impact otherwise. 4/10.
This article first appeared on NRL.com
