WTF... seriously, what did Cooper do wrong this game? 12 runs for 95 mtrs and 47 tackles in 80 mins, while taking his job of protecting Thurston very seriously. They threw Cordner and Frizzell at that edge and Cooper just kept taking them out.
Glasby's start was disastrous, but he recovered and didn't end up doing too bad, if you forget those 2 bad misses. He probably won't be there next year with Matt Scott's return.
I also don't think J. Wallace did too much wrong, albeit the lack of runs and punch may cost him. Hopefully he just takes it in his stride for a major improvement next game.
I did like the few things Hess was able to show in his limited time. He will eventually become a mainstay, possibly once we move Gillett into lock...
Papalii was the forward who impressed me the least. Either he isn't cut to play in the middle, or he was carrying an injury.
Napa was our best prop by far, Gillett and Cooper really good on the edges, while McGuire's contribution cannot be underestimated, especially his line break leading to Gagai's first try, giving him the best Qld forward trophy this game.
Slater, Cronk, Smith and Thurston improved in the second stanza after an ordinary first half, especially Billy, although none of them were close to their best. I furiously hope Thurston beats the odds, and can end his Origin career with a victory on Suncorp's hallowed grass.
I was worried about Boyd in the centres, but he didn't falter, went looking for the ball and that immaculate pass to Holmes try was trademark. Hopefully his knock is nothing serious.
Holmes obviously felt the weight of the jersey and quickly found out Origin is just another level. He was lucky with his try, as there is valid doubt whether he stepped on the line (haven't seen an image proving either way, so the videoref decision was correct), and he was on shaky ground for a while there, but will be better for it. Should he have been there ahead of Oates? Probably not, but he won't be dropped I reckon.
Chambers was below his Origin average, really rocks and diamonds stuff. His try saver on Jayne was great, as was his pass to "donate" Gagai his first try of the night, but he was nowhere to be seen on the roaches first try, and being bundled into touch twice in a game is just not good enough for a player of his pedigree.
I've always liked Gagai and was very sad (despite agreeing with Hook's measure) when he left us, but I never thought he could deliver on the Origin arena as he constantly has... what a magnificent Maroon he has turned out to be! My MOTM for sure!