State of Origin Game 3 player ratings: Who starred and who flopped as NSW avoid whitewash

Cody Walker stole the show and Josh Addo-Carr scored one of the great State of Origin tries as New South Wales avoided a whitewash in the series final.

The Blues ran out comfortable 24-10 winners in Sydney on Wednesday night, with Walker dominating the game in his first game back for the Blues since 2020 as debutant Bradman Best scored a double on his debut.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow maintained his impressive record of scoring in each of his Origin appearances with an outstanding solo effort, but the Maroons didn’t have enough to complete a first series sweep since 2010.

Queensland can console itself with a third series victory in four years.

Here’s who excelled and who disappointed as the Blues ended a disappointing run on a high.

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NEW SOUTH WALES

James Tedesco – 6.5

Could this really be his last Origin appearance? Started well, but was bulldozed out of the way by David Fifita when the giant Queenslander crashed before the opening attempt.

He went out of his way to make his mark on the game and kick off best’s second effort with an excellent break that provided a timely reminder of his incredible talent.

Brian To’o – 7

Outscored by Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow as the Maroons opened the scoring, made up with an excellent finish to tie the scores.

Stephen Crichton – 7.5

Run some big tackles in the first half and get To’o’s effort going. However, his kicking from the tee was a mixed bag as he managed two of four conversions and two penalties.

Bradman best – 8.5

Will remember his Origin debut for a long time. Scored on his first touch of the ball, only for the attempt to be disallowed for offside, before Josh set up Addo-Carr’s sensational solo effort.

He then grabbed one for himself and added another in the second half. Defensively excellent.

Josh Addo Carr – 8.5

Held his spot despite a dismal Game II and repaid Fittler’s fate with one of the great Origin attempts. Was instrumental in the Blues’ first try, leaping past AJ Brimson to look a very different player from the one who toiled in the first two games.

Cody Walker-9

His first New South Wales appearance since 2019 and shredded the Queensland defense at will during the game.

The Blues have to wonder why he wasn’t selected for the first two games and tonight’s evidence shows that Jarome Luai may have to work hard to wrest the number 6 jersey from the Rabbitohs star.

Deservedly named Player of the Match.

Mitchell Moses – 7

Started with a good aim, kicking well and running hard to the Maroons. Unafraid to put his body on the line, he took on David Fifita with a cracking tackle.

Jake Trbojevic – 6.5

Returned from injury earlier than expected to make his 16th Blues appearance. Carried hard and put in a lot of work in the first half.

Damian Kok – 7.5

Placed out of position in Game II, he looked much more at home and confident in the No. 9 jersey, not missing a tackle in the first half.

Reagan Campbell Gillard – 6

Went through a lot of early doors through a lot of work, but faded somewhat in the second half.

Liam Martin – 7

Rattled Lindsay Collins early after the break with a brutal hit and stopped a dangerous Queensland attack with a brilliant tackle on Ben Hunt.

Keaon Koloamatangi – 6.5

The Blues’ other debutant had a crucial hand in The Blues’ first attempt with a delightful flick.

Cameron Murray-7.5

Promoted to the starting lineup, he got to know himself well, as did his two Rabbitohs teammates. Led the Blues pack with 73 yards in the first half.

EXCHANGES

Isaah Yeo – 6.5

Dropped to the bench, impressed with some typically strong tackles in the second half and missed a try just wide.

Jacob Saifiti – 6

Worked hard from the couch and was perfectly usable.

Reece Robson-6

Came off the bench after starting an appearance in Game II and made no mistakes.

Clinton Gutherson – N/A

Fittler said he had no plan for him and it showed when he came off the bench with just three minutes left.

Scott Drinking Water – N/A

Never got off the couch.

QUEENSLAND

AJ Brimson-3

Replacing Reece Walsh isn’t easy and it showed. Lost Addo-Carr for the Blues’ first try and found himself in no man’s land for the Blues’ winger’s stunning solo effort.

Wasted a glorious attacking opportunity by picking the wrong receiver when the Maroons appeared to break.

Xavier Coates – 4

A difficult night for the Queensland winger, as New South Wales tormented the Maroons down the right wing at will during the first half.

Valentine Holmes – 3

Endured a torrid first half as the Blues found joy again and again on the Queensland right and failed to keep Addo-Carr under control. Misinterpreted a situation that left Best eligible for the Blues’ third try.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow – 8

One of the Maroons’ heroes of the series was very solid under the high ball and set up David Fifita’s opening try. Kept his record of scoring a try in every Origin appearance with a great solo effort. An incredible player.

Murray Taulagi-6

Firmly under the high ball, he ran with usual intensity and split the Blues defense wide open with an excellent break in the second half, but got support.

Cameron Munster – 6.5

Researched and plotted with the usual verve and looked menacing on a few occasions, but failed to launch the Maroons attack as he had in the first two games.

Daly Cherry Evans – 6

The Queensland captain wasn’t at his best defensively, as New South Wales sliced ​​up the Maroons’ right flank in the first half. More involved in the second half, but it was too late to bring about another miracle in Queensland.

Reuben Cotter – 6.5

Ran with usual intensity and topped the tackle charts, deservedly earning the Wally Lewis Medal as player of the series.

Harry Grant – 4

Gave away two penalties in the first 17 minutes and had a pass intercepted by Stephen Crichton late in the first half leading to a penalty for New South Wales.

A wasteful knock-on in the second half derailed a promising attack.

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui – 5.5

A lot of effort, but not much end product.

David Fifita – 6.5

In the right place at the right time to pounce Tabuai-Fidow’s touch and score Queensland’s first try.

Jeremiah Nanai – 5.5

Like some of his teammates, the Cowboys star was not at his best. Appears to have scored in the first half, but was deemed to have been knocked down by the bunker.

Patrick Carrigan – 5.5

Bring the usual intensity to the match with some typical cracking tackles and determined runs.

EXCHANGES

Ben Hunt-5

Less effective than usual from the couch. A second-half knock-on proved costly as another promising opportunity faded.

Lindsay Collins – 6.5

The Player of the Match in Game II was heavily involved again in the series finale. Penalized for a knock-on in the second half that could have led to a try.

Moeaki Fotuaika-5

Not making an impact from the couch.

Corey Horsburgh-6

Was upset by a huge tackle on his Origin debut but brushed it off and worked hard throughout the second half with some striking runs.

Tom Dearden – N/A

Didn’t get off the couch.

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