Origin
Queensland Origin 30 d. New South Wales Origin 0

2008 State of Origin Index [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: Australia > National > Senior Representative Competition: State of Origin

State of Origin 2 Player Ratings
Thu June 12, 2008
State of Origin 2 Player Ratings.

QLD Team

1. Billy SLATER - 7
A reshuffle of the back line saw him start from the bench. Looked dangerous on a couple of occasions with the ball, but still provides a couple of "heart in the mouth" moments every match. Seemed to run the ball back with more vigour this time around.

2. Darius BOYD - 7.5
Satisfying debut. Did everything that was asked of him, and was on the spot to score a couple of tries. Was never really put under any pressure by the Blues.

3. Greg INGLIS - 8.5
Complete reversal from the first game. Had numerous line breaks, and was swatting away defenders with his big right hand fend at every opportunity. Made Gasnier look very ordinary in defence. The score now stands at 1 all in their personal battle.

4. Brent TATE - 9
The Maroons best in my book. Was up in the Blues' faces all match, and was second in the tackle count for QLD behind Johnson. Always there to take a run when needed to lift the team. Has his doubters, but even they would have been asking the question, Justin who?

5. Israel FOLAU - 7.5
Size, pace, and skill makes for a lethal combination. Once again showed his ability under the high ball early on, and was a handful every time he took a run. The Broncos must be counting down the days until he arrives.

6. Johnathan THURSTON - 7.5
Looked more comfortable with a recognised half in Prince playing next to him. Was able to create some space for his outside backs with early balls and did not have the burden of being the sole playmaker. Could perhaps look to take the line on more, but at the end of the day he did what was needed.

7. Scott PRINCE - 7.5
Took a while for his kicking game to find it's mark. Worked well in tandem with Thurston, and was not found wanting in defence. Provided another point of attack. Vindicated the uproar that was created around his original non-selection in the team.

13. Dallas JOHNSON - 8
As always, tackled himself to a standstill. Put on a couple of good shots early to force turnovers which lifted his team. Left the field un-aided for what seemed like the first time in ages in Origin encounters.

12. Sam THAIDAY - 7.5
Switched to the bench, and certainly provided much better impact than when he started last match. Provided a dose of enthusiasm when needed. Goes missing a little in defence, but still did his fair share of hit-ups when required.

11. Michael CROCKER - 7.5
Although his stats don't really reflect it, he appeared to be in everything in the first half. Has never really been one of my favourite players, but I would never doubt his commitment. Didn't see as much game time as he would have liked in the second half.

10. Petero CIVONICEVA - 8.5
Led the hit-ups and continually put the Maroons on the front foot. Rarely makes a mistake, and certainly appreciated having Price back to partner him. Probably the best forward on the ground

9. Cameron SMITH - 7.5
Enjoyed a bit more space in this match. Was steady, without being outstanding, but was able to keep the QLD forward pack rumbling over the advantage line. Also took some pressure of Prince and Thurston by dropping back on a few occasions to take over the long kicking duties.

8. Steven PRICE - 8
Provided the composure to the forwards that was lacking in the first match. Seems to get better with age, and was able to play 50 minutes straight despite playing less than a handful of matches this season. Perhaps sharing a Kava or two with Ruben Wiki is his secret.

14. Karmichael HUNT - 7.5
Started at the back in place of Slater and looked more comfortable back in his favoured position. Put a good shot on Bird which seemed to injure his shoulder, and then had minimal opportunity after that.

15. Ben HANNANT - 7.5 (extra half point for the try)
Was the only bench player to not get into the action in the first half. Always gives it 100% and fights for every metre. Can be found wanting a little in defence around the rucks, but seemed to get through a fair bit of work despite his limited game time.

16. Nate MYLES - 8.5
Followed on his tremendous efforts in Game 1, to once again be one of the Queensland's best. Looks to be finding the form of a couple of seasons ago. Put on some nice hits in defence when needed. Struggled with a head cut for most of the match, which must have exhausted the trainers supply of tape in order to cover his massive forehead.

17. Ashley HARRISON - 8
Came into the run on side, and provided the Queensland side with the ball playing backrower they had been looking for. Slotted in nicely next to his clubmate Prince, and provided some nice touches for his outside men.


NSW Team

1. Brett STEWART - 8
The best player for the Blues. Never put a foot wrong, was safe when the ball was kicked to him, and pulled off numerous try saving tackles in the last line of defence. Was not able to enjoy any open space of his own, but neither did any of his team-mates.

2. Steve TURNER - 6.5
A surprise selection in many people's books and was never able to really get into the game. Probably missed more tackles than he made and will have nightmares about Greg Inglis running at him. Did not have the dream debut that others have enjoyed in this series.

3. Mark GASNIER - 7 (probably a 6.75 rounded up to a 7)
A bit of a mixed bag. Nearly broke free a couple of times, was shown up a few times in defence, and also had a couple of handling errors. Did not enjoy the space that he received in the first match and had to go hunting for the ball from dummy half.

4. Matt COOPER - 7 (probably a bit generous)
Strong in defence as always, but like Gasnier, never really had much opportunity with the ball. Had to be content with making the hard yards from his own half rather than getting the ball in attacking positions. Was well contained by Brent Tate

5. Anthony QUINN - 6.5
Like the rest of the Blues backline was not really afforded any opportunity to shine. Had to be content to take the hard yards from his own half.

6. Greg BIRD - 6.5
Did not enjoy the same charmed run he had in the first game. Seemed to lose his way once Gidley came on and he got pushed into the pack. Talked it up before the game and failed to back it up when it mattered. I am sure Scott Prince will have a wry smile when he sees that Bird led the Missed Tackle count.

7. Peter WALLACE - 6
Brought back down to earth with a thud. Not once threatened the line, just passed and kicked all night. The press were all over him after the first match, and I suspect they may be again, but for a different reason.

13. Paul GALLEN - 7
Tackled hard, took the hit-ups but never really threatened anything. Was well contained.

12. Willie MASON - 6.5
Was involved heavily early on, but was soon nullified like the rest of the Blues forward pack. Made a couple of handling errors which just gave the crowd even more reason to cheer.

11. Ryan HOFFMAN - 6.5
Worked down the left hand side of the field all night, but was never able to find the space he was craving.

10. Craig FITZGIBBON - 7
Showed up some of his younger and perhaps over-hyped team-mates. Called upon to fill the position of prop, he was unable to provide the punch that was needed. Perhaps the old legs are getting to him.

9. Danny BUDERUS - 7
Led the tackle count. Tried to lift his team in the second half, but found it hard to find others to go with him. Has been a good servant for the Blues over many years, but the time has come for his successor to get the nod.

8. Brett WHITE - 6
The Blues' version of Carl Webb. Always seems to go missing in the big games. Will be lucky to make it to Game 3. Brent Kite must be sitting at home shaking his head.

14. Anthony LAFFRANCHI - 6.5
Another one of the back-rowers that all seemed to get in each others way. Is a quality player, but like the rest of the pack was well beaten.

15. Anthony TUPOU - 6.5
Started the season on fire, but has gone off the boil in recent weeks. Seems to struggle to find his role within this team. Would perhaps benefit more with the selction of a recognised five-eighth in the side to work off.

16. Steve SIMPSON - 6.5
Another surprise selection which probably back-fired. His selection took the number of back-rowers in the team to 8, and it certainly showed when they were all on the field. Too many ball runners and not enough ball players.

17. Kurt GIDLEY - 6.5
Tried hard when he was on, but was unable to have the impact that was desired. Was not sure whether he was playing Hooker, five-eighth. half-back or fullback on some occasions. Dificult ask to come back after a few weeks off through injury straight into Origin.

What do you think about these ratings? Who do you think were the best players? Which players should be nervous about their spots for the next match?


Rampant Maroons square series
Wed June 11, 2008
Source: www.qrl.com.au

Queensland winger Darius Boyd evoked memories of Adam Mogg's stunning State of Origin debut in 2006 when he crossed for two tries in the Maroons' 30-0 victory tonight.

Just like Mogg did on that fairytale night two years ago, Boyd notched a double at Suncorp Stadium to send the series into a decider.

With the series on the line, Queensland made an electrifying start in front of more than 51,000 emotion-charged fans.

In the seventh minute, Greg Inglis produced his trademark fend to brush through the Blues before setting Boyd off to the try-line with a perfectly timed pass.

Inglis was at it again in the 20th minute when he found clear space, drew NSW fullback Brett Stewart and sent the dashing Boyd over for his second try of the evening.

The 12-0 lead had the Queensland crowd roaring, the fired up Maroons inflicted further pain on the battered Blues when Johnathan Thurston landed penalty goals in 32nd and 38th minute for a 16-0 half-time lead.

Another Thurston penalty goal upon the resumption extended the lead to 18-0, before big prop Ben Hannant crashed over to score midway through the second half.

Enter Scott Prince.

The Queensland crowd favourite put in a superb kick for the flying Israel Folau, who grounded the ball for a 28-0 lead.

Thurston converted from the sideline.

With the score at 30-0, the outgunned Blues tried to force the pass. But nothing was working for the wayward Blues, who continually squandered possession.

Queensland coach Mal Meninga made a tactical change before kick off, electing to start Karmichael Hunt at fullback instead of Billy Slater, who moved to the interchange bench.

Ashley Harrison was also a surprise inclusion in the starting side, replacing Sam Thaiday.

Queensland 30 (Darius Boyd 2, Ben Hannant, Israel Folau tries; Johnathan Thurston 7 goals) def New South Wales 0.

Report Source: www.qrl.com.au

Wed June 11, 2008
• Queensland lead at half-time in Game #2
  
Wed June 11, 2008
• Comment: Let Them Eat Cake!
  
Tue June 10, 2008
• State of Origin #2 Weather Update
  
Tue June 10, 2008
• Webb added as Maroons 18th man
  
Mon June 9, 2008
• Prince to replace injured Lockyer for Origin 2
  
Fri June 6, 2008
• Prince joins Maroons Origin squad
  
Wed June 4, 2008
• Maroons thrive at QAS training session
  
Wed June 4, 2008
• Turner drafted into NSW side to replace suspended Hayne
  
Wed June 4, 2008
• Queensland favourites for Origin #2
  
Tue June 3, 2008
• Lockyer, Price and Harrison recalled with Boyd to make debut
  
Tue June 3, 2008
• Blues make two changes to winning team
  

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