MAROONS PLAYER RATINGS FOR STATE OF ORIGIN I:
1. DARIUS BOYD - A lacklustre performance will surely make the drums beat louder for the return of Billy Slater. 6
2. COREY OATES - Used his height to full advantage to score the Maroons' first try. Answered every question Mitchell Pearce's kicking game asked of him. 7.5
3. WILL CHAMBERS - Contained in attack. Delivered the hit on Mitchell Pearce which ended the NSW halfback's night. 5
4. JUSTIN O'NEILL - Tough night at the office with little influence in attack and a defensive lapse leading to Jarryd Hayne's try. 4
5. DANE GAGAI - Showed spark in the first half but increasingly found it difficult as the Blues began to boss the game. 6.5
6. ANTHONY MILFORD - Answered any doubts about his ability on the big stage by showcasing his footwork and passing before friendly fire ended his night early in the second half. 7
7. COOPER CRONK - A sublime kick to set up their only try underpinned a typically strong performance. 7.5
8. DYLAN NAPA - Was strong early on debut but copped a knock to the knee in the first half which limited his influence. 6
9. CAMERON SMITH (capt) - Hard to fault as per usual despite the result. 7.5
10. NATE MYLES - Quiet night with the NSW pack the clear winners up front. 5
11. JOSH PAPALII - One of the best-performed Queensland forwards, working hard to gain metres. 7
12. MATT GILLETT - Had two linebreaks but didn't make major inroads into the Blues' defence. 6.5
13. JOSH McGUIRE - His hard-working defensive efforts filled the brief and he finished with more than 100m. 7
INTERCHANGE:
14. MICHAEL MORGAN - Came off the bench in his usual solid supporting role. 6
15. SAM THAIDAY - Struggled to have a major impact off the bench. 5
16. AIDAN GUERRA - Denied a try by Dugan's desperation but, otherwise, had little sway over the game off the bench. 6
17. JACOB LILLYMAN - Limited minutes but far from disgraced. 6
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