Queensland player ratings for State of Origin III

Alex Mitchell | July 13, 2023

QUEENSLAND PLAYER RATINGS FROM ORIGIN III

1 AJ Brimson – 6

Cut through the NSW line late in the first half but picked the wrong passing option. Sturdy without changing the game in his 140 metres.

2 Xavier Coates – 3

Part of the defensive right edge that was chopped up in the first half as the Blues built their match-winning lead. Looked panicked at times trying to handle NSW flyer Josh Addo-Carr.

3 Valentine Holmes – 4

Caught out defensively for Best’s first try midway through the first half as the NSW rampage rolled on. Threw a shocking pass out of dummy-half that cost the Maroons 20m and fluffed his lines on what could have been a late try for Queensland.

4 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow – 8

Continued his streak of scoring in every Origin game he’s played with a sublime kick and gather for a vital first-half try. One of Queensland’s most threatening attacking players.

5 Murray Taulagi – 6

Put in a massive shift with 151m and had a second-half line break that could easily have ended with points.

6 Cameron Munster – 7.5

Put in a gorgeous kick for the game’s opening try, finding Tabuai-Fidow above the shorter Brian To’o, but compared to his lofty standards was somewhat well shackled. Added 31 tackles in a balanced performance.

7 Daly Cherry-Evans – 6

Along with another stellar kicking game, made an important difference defensively in the second half as part of the right edge rushing Cody Walker to curb the NSW playmaker’s influence.

8 Reuben Cotter – 8

Did what he routinely does at Origin level, racking up defensive efforts to go with gritty runs – 99m and 38 tackles seal his Wally Lewis Medal as the series’ outstanding player.

9 Harry Grant – 7

Got the start at hooker and flashed his talent with some crafty plays, including a sharp kick and dummy-half line break and flick offload. Gave away two silly early penalties as NSW got on top.

10 Tino Fa’asuamaleaui – 8

Close to the best forward on the field with 135m gained, 62m of which came post-contact. Ensured Queensland kept the fight close in the middle of the park.

11 David Fifita – 6

Scored the first try of the game after being on the spot and looked poised for a monster game after some brutal runs, but only got 34 minutes.

12 Jeremiah Nanai – 5

Showed flashes of his ability to change games but was generally well held, and missed four tackles.

13 Patrick Carrigan – 8

Another huge stint in the Queensland forward pack, gritting his way to 117m and 31 tackles.

14 Ben Hunt – 5

Played 40 minutes. Got through his work, particularly in defence, but did not really leave a mark on the game.

15 Lindsay Collins – 7

Capped a really strong series with 70m in his 41 minutes, while continuing his knack of popping up in the right places when his team needed him.

16 Moeaki Fotuaika – 5

Didn’t really catch the eye in his 25 minutes, although he ran the ball eight times for 63m.

17 Corey Horsburgh – 5

The NSW defenders looked fired up to smash the red-headed debutant but Horsburgh was up to it, busting three tackles in his 21-minute, 39m outing.