PLAYER RATINGS: Who starred and who flopped as Queensland pull off another sensational Origin escape

Queensland provided another incredible home state breakaway, winning the series opener 26-18 in Adelaide on Wednesday night.

Reduced to 12 men midway through the second half after Thomas Flegler’s questionable yellow card, the Maroons once again defied the chances to score twice in the dying minutes through Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Cameron Munster.

Here’s who excelled and who disappointed in the series opener at the Adelaide Oval as the Maroons took a 1-0 lead.

QUEENSLAND

Reece Walsh-8

The Queensland debutant was solid under the high ball despite heavy pressure from the Blues and played a part in Selwyn Cobbo’s effort.

Selwyn Cobbo – 7.5

Made up for an early mistake by scoring a try in the second half and defended well.

Valentine Holmes – 6

More subdued than usual, gave away some penalties and couldn’t stop Liam Martin for the Blues’ first try.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow – 8.5

Back at the Origin arena for the first time in two years and emphatically seized the opportunity with a great try that proved to be crucial.

Murray Taulagi – 7.5

Twice, the Blues denied with try-saving tackles on James Tedesco and Tyson Frizell.

Cameron Munster – 7.5

Got up when it mattered, never lost his cool as Queensland chased the game by 12 games and rounded out victory with a well-taken effort.

Daly Cherry Evans – 7

Well-kicked and calm under pressure in the first half. His leadership remains invaluable to Queensland.

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui – 7.5

Switched to the starting squad, he took the game to New South Wales with some thunderous hits.

Ben Hunt-7

Strong presence in defence, made some good breaks in the first half and played a part in the Maroons’ opening attempt.

Reuben Cotter – 8.5

The man-of-the-match was all over Game I and went through a mountain of work.

David Fifita – 6.5

Carried the ball hard and with purpose all the time.

Tom Gilbert- 5

Left early with a dislocated shoulder.

Pat Carrigan-7

A great presence as usual, working hard all the time and tackling well.

TO EXCHANGE

Harry Grant – 6.5

Made a late impression with typically fast runs that put Queensland on the front foot.

Thomas Flegler – 6

A good substitution from the bench and can be unhappy that he is sinfully thrown away in the second half.

Lindsay Collins-7

Gave away a penalty for coming into play before Gilbert had left the field, but more than made up for it by hitting the ball to Tedesco to set up Munster’s effort.

Jai arrow – 6

Fifita replaced late and was solid enough.

NEW SOUTH WALES

James Tedesco-5

Should have played Josh Addo-Carr for a first half try but didn’t and slipped to let Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow in for Queensland’s fourth try

Brian To’o – 7.5

Well carried the ball and put the Maroons defense on the back foot despite seeing little of the ball

Stephen Crichton-6

Started well and scored in the second half but his impact diminished as the game progressed and Queensland denied him space.

Tom Trbojevic – 6.5

Back in a Blues jersey after missing last year’s series, he was very busy until he left the field with a concussion.

Josh Addo Carr – 5

The return of The Fox’s Origin fell short of expectations as Addo-Carr was completely outplayed by Murray Taulagi.

Jarome Luai – 6

Show why he still owns the number 6 jersey by putting on the Blues’ first and third attempts.

Nathan Cleary – 6.5

Less prominent than usual, kicked well and controlled the game with confidence. His bomb secured New South Wales’ third attempt.

Tevita Pangai Junior – 6

Gave away a penalty early on but was otherwise very disciplined and the fireworks some expected never materialised.

API Koroisau – 5.5

Scored the Blues’ second try, but was otherwise largely anonymous and struggled to get into play.

Payne Haas – 6

Tyson Frizell-6

Hudson Young – 4.5

Isaah Yeo – 5

EXCHANGES

Junior Paulo – 6.5

Cameron Murray-5.5

Liam Murray-6

Nicho Hynes-5