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Blues prop Aaron Woods charges forward in Game One of the 2015 Holden State of Origin series.

NRL.com rates the performances of all 17 NSW VB Blues players in Holden State of Origin Game One.

Queensland player ratings
Report: Queensland take early series advantage

 

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

Five key points from Origin I
Daley to stick with Blues halves
Patience a virtue for Queensland
Storm stars look to the MCG
We can hold our heads high: Tamou
Thurston pleased to get one over Scott
Daley rapt with Blues defence

Acknowledgement of Country

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

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