The Queensland Maroons have set up a live State of Origin decider after managing to take out a thriller in Perth on Wednesday evening.
In a game of two halves, Queensland led 26-6 at halftime, before almost being mowed down in the second stanza, clinging on thanks to some average goal kicking from the Blues.
Here is how they rated.
1. Kalyn Ponga - 4/10
Ponga had an awfully quiet game by his standards, and following up a poor performance in the series opener, his spot must be in doubt for Game 2. Just 75 run metres, although he did have one nice run. Dropped a couple of bombs as well, although one was definitely backwards.
2. Xavier Coates - 4.5
Coates barely registered a mention throughout the game. Didn't do a whole lot wrong, but only made 69 metres from 9 carries. No impact and certainly not much to write home about.
3. Robert Toia - 5
Tried hard, but his defence was absolutely awful on a scorched right edge for Queensland. Did come up with a try assist and some nice runs of the ball, but limited in his involvement and impact on a tricky night for the outside backs.
4. Valentine Holmes - 6
Holmes was ultimately the difference between the two sides, landing all of his conversions, compared to Zac Lomax who missed three for the Blues. Ran well for 74 metres, but did miss a tackle for Stephen Crichton's try.
5. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow - 6.5
Tabuai-Fidow did make a couple of errors, but they were offset by scoring two tries. The first was fairly regulation as finishes go, but the second was leaping over New South Wales winger Brian To'o. Certainly not all sunshine and rainbows for the Dolphin though who was let down by the defenders playing on the inside of him over and over again, with To'o scoring a hat-trick.
6. Cameron Munster - 8.5
There doesn't appear to be anything Munster can't do on a rugby league field. Knocked his first game as Queensland captain out of the park, scoring a try, kicking well, tackling strongly and avoiding errors. Just an all-around outstanding performance.
7. Tom Dearden - 7
You pick your halfback for attack, so Dearden certainly ticks all the boxes in that department. Queensland scored one try in their last two Origins, and managed four in the first half on Wednesday night.He was let down by his defence though, with his combination with Toia and Tabuai-Fidow to his outside proving a major headache for Queensland that will need to be addressed for Sydney. No danger for his spot though.
8. Moeaki Fotuaika - 5.5
Almost no way Fotuaika can hold his starting spot for Game 2. Had one stint in this game, and while it was better than Game 1, he still only finished with 73 metres and 12 tackles. Needs to be used for what he is - a bench impact player - at this level.
9. Harry Grant - 7.5
Came up with the try assist for Cameron Munster to score, and made 55 tackles. Grant has never won an Origin game starting at hooker, but tonight was a much improved performance on Game 1, where he actively contributed to the Maroons heading in the right direction.
10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui - 4.5
As poor a night as you've seen from Fa'asuamaleaui. Made an error before the Blues' first try, and another error later in the game. Only 51 metres to his name as well. You'd expect more out of the Titans captain, and you'd be almost certain you'll get it next time out as well.
11. Reuben Cotter - 7
Not much wrong with Cotter's performance. Almost made the most of a loose ball situation in the second half to go close to scoring, defended stoutly with 43 tackles, and also ran for 85 metres.
12. Kurt Capewell - 7.5
Eyebrows were raised when Capewell was recalled to the side, and, it seemed, rightly so. Those eyebrows have now been lowered back to their usual position. Scored a try in support, made some huge plays in defence, ran the ball well on the edge in attack. Just about did everything right.
13. Trent Loiero - 6
Didn't do much wrong, without having huge impact on the game. He passed a HIA in the first half before returning to complete an 84 run metre, 41 tackle game. Loiero is the kind of player who simply must start if he is going to play Origin. Took sting out of the game early, and will need to do more of the same when the series heads to Sydney for the decider.
14. Kurt Mann - 6
Mann came onto the park when Loiero went off for his concussion test, and the Bulldogs utility backed up the call to select him with a strong, workmanlike effort. Assisted Kurt Capewell's try, and came up with some good stuff in defence. A couple of offloads sparked Queensland when the tide was against them, and he also avoided featuring on a long list of players who made an error.
15. Lindsay Collins - 4
36 minutes for Collins off the bench, and while it didn't feel as if he has much of his usual impact, he still wound up with 96 metres from 9 carries. His defence let him down massively though, winding up with a team high six tackles.
16. Jeremiah Nanai - 4.5
Felt like the only time Nanai's name was mentioned was when he made an error coming out of his own end. Played less than half an hour off the interchange bench, and had none of the impact he provided in Game 1, albeit, all of his minutes were with Queensland on the back foot.
17. Patrick Carrigan - 6
Carrigan was relegated to a bench role, and was only given 34 minutes. A strange call from Billy Slater, but he still provided plenty with nearly 90 metres and not a single missed tackle.
