State of Origin Game Two: Queensland player ratings

Queensland has conceded the State of Origin series, going down 18-14 to a valiant New South Wales outfit, in front of over 82,000 fans at ANZ Stadium. However, the loss begs the question, how did the Maroons perform individually?

1. Billy Slater - 8

Queensland best tonight. Organised the defense and defused all kicks thrown his way. Looked exceptionally dangerous in attack all game.

2. Valentine Holmes - 6

Ran the ball well and bagged himself a try, however it was his 2 missed goal conversions that cost Queensland in the end.

3. Greg Inglis - 7

Rose as the side's captain yet again, made ground with the ball and sent Holmes over for a try. Couldn't have done much more. 

4. Will Chambers - 4

Although he scored a try and threw the last pass for Dane Gagai's try, it was an overall poor performance by Chambers. Was again out-played by his opposite number and came up with a bad defensive read and a thoughtless kick that ran dead, which eventually proved the difference.  

5. Dane Gagai - 6

Has a habit of scoring in this arena and crossed again tonight. Did his job without being spectacular.

6. Cameron Munster - 6

Did everything he could to spark Queensland in attack and looked dangerous when running at second receiver. Last tackle kicks were poor however and failing to apply pressure with the kicking game badly let the team down.

7. Ben Hunt - 3

Had come under scrutiny in the lead up to the game and buckled under the pressure. Last tackle options were poor and came up with an unforgivable kick on the 3rd tackle that ran dead, handing the Blues a seven tackle set at a time when they were down to 12 men. Will be lucky to retain his position.

8. Dylan Napa - 7

Tried his heart out and aimed up against a formidable NSW forward pack. Made a huge impact in his second stint.

9. Andrew McCullough - 6

Like Hunt, McCullough came into the game under criticism and didn't deliver. While he did his job,  expect the critics of his running game, or lack thereof, to continue.

10. Jarrod Wallace - 6

Was notably fired up after copping criticism for his game one performance and tried to aim up to the Blues. Gave it his all but still couldn't get a roll on like he can at club level. Again failed to make over 50 metres in the Origin arena.

11. Gavin Cooper - 6

Made his tackles and ran the right lines. Despite being criticised for his club form didn't let anybody down.

12. Felise Kaufusi - 7

Ran some tough lines and defended solidly in the middle for much of the game. Made 37 tackles and 68 metres with the ball.

13. Josh McGuire - 6

Was again one of the Maroons best forwards, held down the Queensland middle for the first 45 minutes, wasn't sighted after then.

14. Kalyn Ponga - 8

Outstanding debut from the Knights rookie, played an incredible 53 minutes in the middle and finished with 108 run metres as well as 29 tackles. Certainly has a bright future in the Origin arena.

15. Josh Papalii - 5

Was solid without being spectacular, didn't let anyone down but failed to help his team get a roll on.

16. Coen Hess - 6

Made some ground with the ball when he came on in the second half. Played just 18 minutes yet amassed 50 run metres.

17. Jai Arrow - 7

Arguably Queensland's best forward, entered the game late and made his presence felt with several big hits, the best of which on the NSW captain Boyd Cordner. Made 75 run metres in just 30 minutes.

Do you agree with our Queensland player ratings? Let us know in the comments below.