Player ratings: State of Origin I

Cameron Smith and Billy Slater of the Maroons celebrate winning at fulltime. Photo / Getty Images

Player ratings for the first State of Origin match at Etihad Stadium.

Queensland:
1 - Billy Slater - Experienced a few anxious moments early fielding high balls but was a constant threat through the middle - 7.5

2: Darius Boyd - Two chances, two tries taking his Origin strike rate to an impressive eight in 12 games - 8.

3: Greg Inglis - Didn't get too many opportunities but his second half try made him Origin's leading try scorer with 13 - 7.5

4: Justin Hodges - Like Inglis he was restricted in attack but very strong defensively - 7.

5: Brent Tate - Superb under the high ball and out of dummy half in his first Origin since 2008. Almost scored in first half - 7.5

6: Johnathan Thurston - Didn't dominate but was very busy with the ball. Kicked two magnificent sideline conversions - 7.

7: Cooper Cronk - Looked at home in his first Origin in the No.7 jumper. Worked well with his forwards and outside men - 7.5

8: Matt Scott - Made some damaging charges at times but it was his defence in the middle that turned NSW back - 7.5

9: Cameron Smith - Went into the clash coming off a cold but defended the middle magnificently with almost 50 tackles - 8.

10: Petero Civoniceva - Did what he's done for 30 previous Origins and carved out the tough metres - 7.

11 Nate Myles - Outstanding in the middle as usual and his work rate was invaluable ploughing through a mountain of defence. Man of the match - 8.5

12: Sam Thaiday - Another tough performance from the Broncos skipper. Heavily involved in all the action - 7.5

13: Ashley Harrison - Did it again with 40 tackles in a tireless performance by Queensland's back row - 7.5

Interchange:
14: Matt Gillett - Got on for his Origin debut midway through the second half and was very solid - 6
15: Dave Shillington - Strong off the bench when injected into the battle - 6
16: Ben Hannant - Ripped in when he got his opportunity and did his job as he always does - 6.5
17:Dave Taylor - Was ill during the game constantly going to the toilet which restricted his playing time - 6.

New South Wales:
1: Brett Stewart - Safe without starring - 6

2: Jarryd Hayne - Made try-saving tackle on Tate - 7

3: Michael Jennings - Costly sin-bin but made good with try - 6

4: Josh Morris - Strong tackles kept Inglis in check - 7

5: Akuila Uate - Good carries but caught out in defence - 6

6: Todd Carney - Lacked authority with crucial errors - 4

7: Mitchell Pearce - Ran hot and cold - 6

8: Paul Gallen - In usual fashion led run metres for Blues - 8

9: Robbie Farah - Performed well to match rival rake Smith - 7

10: James Tamou - Gave Blues much-needed go-forward - 7

11: Glenn Stewart - Big contributor but gave away costly penalty - 7

12: Luke Lewis - Didn't have much impact - 5

13: Greg Bird - Dangerous around the ruck - 7

Interchange:
14: Trent Merrin - Solid effort with limited chances - 6
15: Jamie Buhrer - Will be better for experience - 5
16: Ben Creagh - Big game off the bench - 7
17: Tony Williams - Proved to be a valuable selection - 7

- AAP
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