2  James McManus - Denied Greg Inglis with one of a number of match-saving tackles for the Blues and was generally steady in his return to the Origin fold.  5/10

3  Josh Dugan - Was severely tested in defence and did a reasonable job, also adding some spark to the NSW attack, in particular hauling them back into the contest with a second-half try.  7/10

4  Josh Morris - Battled through an early leg problem that would have had Des Hasler tearing out those flowing locks, but struggled to make an impact in attack as NSW defended for their lives.  5/10

5  Daniel Tupou - Came up with one try-saving play to deny a charging Will Chambers, but like most Blues saw little ball in promising field position.  5/10

6  Josh Reynolds - Complemented his halves partner well and generally added the required niggle, including one shoulder charge on an unsuspecting Will Chambers.  5/10

7  Trent Hodkinson - Came in for some extra attention from the Maroons, via one Ben Te’o late hit, but steered his side around the park with aplomb. Coming of age in this arena.  6/10

8  Paul Gallen - What can’t he do? Ran hard, tackled hard and did everything an Origin skipper is supposed to do. Another wholehearted effort.  7/10

9  Robbie Farah - Didn’t get to display his array of attacking skills as his side played on the back foot, but typically led tackle counts in another blue-collar effort.  6/10

10  Aaron Woods - More than held his own in the opening exchanges and has a mortgage on a NSW jumper for as long as he wants it.  5/10

11  Beau Scott - Operation Stop Greg Inglis was carried out by one man, who always seemed to be there when required. Didn’t really make an impression in attack, but why do you need to when you tackle like him?  8/10

12  Ryan Hoffman - Found wanting once or twice in defence, but will reflect on series with fondness after outstanding game in series-sealing win in Sydney.  5/10

13  Greg Bird - No man typifies NSW more than Bird, who set the tone for his side in the first half-hour with a slew of bruising hits. Copped some of his own medicine after a stray elbow from Gold Coast teammate Nate Myles.  6/10

Interchange

14  James Tamou - Entered the fray after the first quarter, but struggled to make a serious impact as his side reluctantly set up camp in their own red zone for long periods.  5/10

15 Boyd Cordner - Looked at home again in the Origin arena, his defence was again solid without being given free rein in attack.   5/10

16  Trent Merrin - Again given limited game time, but hard to fault his time on the field.  4/10

17  Luke Lewis - Another typical energetic display, but like most teammates suffered from a lack of opportunity to show his wares in attack.  5/10