OpinionUpdated May 27, 2026 — 10:26pm,first published 9:07pmHow we rated the performances of every NSW and Queensland player in the 2026 State of Origin series opener in Sydney, won 22-20 by the Blues in a thriller.New South Wales1. James TedescoPut an ordinary first half behind him with a sensational catch to score the match-winning try in the final minute. Earlier was caught off guard for two tries from grubber kicks and bombed a try-scoring chance with a sloppy pass. 6.5/102. Brian To’oLed the Blues for run metres but made three uncharacteristic errors in his own half to gift the Maroons try-scoring chances. 53. Stephen CrichtonMade two unforced errors coming out of his own end, the first of which led to Queensland’s opening try. Made up for it with a big second-half break to set up Ethan Strange’s try. 64. Kotoni StaggsDidn’t get his hands on the ball until the 25-minute mark but was the busiest defender in the back five and lifted in attack in the second half. 65. Tolutau KoulaHe’s never played on the wing at NRL level but made a good fist of it with some good yardage carries and great leaps under the high ball. Produced a try-saving tackle and made the line-break that led to Kalyn Ponga’s send-off. 7.518. Ethan StrangeA great Origin debut for Mitch Moses’ replacement at five-eighth. Scored a great second-half try and had another denied by the bunker, and flattened Cameron Munster with a huge tackle to produce a turnover. 8.57. Nathan ClearyHad to dominate the kicking with no Moses in the side and did it superbly, putting in a slick no-look grubber for Hudson Young’s try and drilling a 40-20 in the second half. Scored himself the try to get NSW within four points late. 8.58. Addin Fonua-BlakeEndured a tough start to his Origin debut, and partly to blame for Queensland finding space down the middle on a few occasions. Had just one run in his brief first stint, but was much more impactful in his second. 5.59. Reece RobsonSolid at dummy half and was unlucky to not have a try assist with a neat grubber for Cameron Murray. Subbed off with half an hour left. 6.510. Mitchell BarnettDefended with aggression early on but produced the first error of the game and made limited impact with the ball. 511. Hudson YoungTackled hard, ran hard and chased down Cleary’s grubber for the Blues’ first points. The standout in the starting pack. 812. Haumole Olakau’atuMade an impact in defence, twice cutting down Cobbo after a great kick chase, and made a few tackle busts when given the chance to run. Struggled with cramp for most of the second half then dropped a tough pass with the tryline begging. 5.513. Isaah YeoThe Blues captain led the tackle count and hit-up count in the first half in a typically strong no-frills performance. 714. Cameron MurrayAdded plenty of spark off the bench and caused Queensland headaches with his offloads. Got to a Reece Robson grubber but knocked on while attempting to score. 815. Victor RadleyA surprise selection in the side, Radley came on for his Origin debut after 25 minutes and injected some energy. Thumped Harry Grant with one highlight tackle in the second half. 6.516. Jacob SaifitiUnused. N/A17. Blayke BraileyCame on for the final half hour and provided good service out of dummy-half. 6.519. Casey McLeanExcelled on the left wing after replacing Tolu Koula following a head knock. Produced a great leap and counterattack from a bomb that led to Ethan Strange’s try. 621. Matt BurtonMade a brief cameo in the final few minutes. N/AQueensland1.Kalyn PongaThrew a great pass to Cobbo that led to the Maroons’ second try and was outstanding under the high ball until sensationally sent off for a high tackle on Toula Koula with 23 minutes remaining. 7/102. Selywn CobboSafe under the high ball, carried the Steeden back from kicks with purpose and made the break that put Queensland in position to score their second try. 7.53. Robert ToiaScored the opening try of the series, winning the race to a Sam Walker kick, and did all that was asked of him defensively as well. Knocked on in the second half and kicked when he shouldn’t have near the Blues’ line. 74. Hamiso Tabuai-FidowScored his 12th Origin try in only 11 games and played a leading hand in Tom Flegler’s try as well. 75. Jojo FifitaJojo didn’t quite have his mojo working on debut with limited involvement, especially in the first half. 56. Cameron MunsterLaid on the third try to Tabuai-Fidow with a great kick. Only blemish was making the Maroons’ first handling error and also missed the tackle on Strange before he scored a try that was overturned by the bunker. 7.57. Sam WalkerOutstanding start to his Origin career, laying on the opening two tries with a trademark pinpoint short kick before putting over Flegler. Also kicked four goals from four attempts, kicked superbly in general play and defended well. 8.58. Thomas FleglerPlayed 30 minutes in two stints and scored a try on his return to Origin after missing two seasons with a career-threatening injury. 6.59. Harry GrantWholehearted 80-minute performance and his dummy-half smarts set up the first two tries. 710. Tino Fa’asuamaleauiA tower of strength up front as always in his 45 minutes of game time. 611. Reuben CotterPlayed the entire first half and didn’t put a foot wrong in 57 minutes in total. 712. Kurt CapewellConceded a needless penalty that led to the Blues’ first try but otherwise sound. 713. Max PlathTypically industrious display in what should be the first of many Origins for the Dolphins workhorse. 714. Briton NikoraOnly got 43 minutes of game time and didn’t really feature, apart from conceding an escort penalty in the second half, but the Blues couldn’t capitalise. 515. Lindsay CollinsThe Roosters prop was sparingly used, playing only 27 minutes. 516. Patrick CarriganInjected off the bench after 20 minutes and worked himself to a standstill during his time on the field. 6.517. Trent LoieroOnly played 15 minutes and had few opportunities to stand out. 418. Ezra MamYet to take the field. N/A19. Gehamat ShibasakiYet to take the field. N/ADefault avatarPhil Mitchell is a desk editor at The Sydney Morning Herald.From our partners