Obviously this will change based on a second viewing but tentative player ratings.
Qld
Slater - 6 - Threatened all night before taking the match winner. Did come up with that mistake late but I thought it was more on Civo if anything.
Boyd - 6 - He didn't threaten a lot in attack but his defence can't be denied. Dead set saved two tries with tackles on Gasnier (first half) and Uate (late second half...saved us the game IMO). So much for Darius being nothing without GI right?
Tonga - 5 - Played with a busted shoulder but still played on and put in a very solid performance. Kept the best centre in the game (lol) quiet.
Nielsen - 4 - Looked a little out of his depth but still did a couple of good things for the Maroons. Still, made Jennings look like a million bucks which isn't a good thing in my books.
Yow Yeh - 5 - Solid debut, scored a typical Yow Yeh try by just putting himself in the right place at the right time. A couple of good runs here and there too.
Lockyer - 7 - All the best players started playing their best Origin games towards the back end of their career. Lockyer is no exception. Classy performance from one of the best of all time.
Thurston - 4 - Probably his worst Origin performance ever. Just seemed off all night. With that said, still good enough to put the blow torch on the Blues all night.
Scott - 9 - One of the best front row performances from an Origin player ever. Career defining.
Smith - 8 - Just kept the Maroons rolling, set up a try and was a constant threat through the middle. Good stuff.
Civoniceiva - 7 - Would be an 8 but that pass brought him back down. What can you say? Civo for mine is probably the best Origin forward in history.
Myles - 5 - Solid as always, stepped up in the second half.
Thaiday - 7 - Just kept running with purpose all night, threw some great passes and more importantly, no brain dead mistakes! Seriously, I was waiting for it but not even one for Sammy! Good game.
Harrison - 7 - Easily the most underated player on the field. Ran well, was good as another playmaker and good in defence. Harrison just seems to be an Origin player doesn't he?
Cronk - 6 - Came on and did exactly what the Maroons needed somebody to do. Play direct. Set up a try and made a couple of good runs.
Parker - 5 - Thought he would be a dud selection, but he got better as the game wore on, breaking tackles and giving the Blues plenty to think about.
Lillyman - 4 - Mixed, those two mistakes hurt otherwise a decent return where I thought he was good in defence and made a couple of good charges.
Hannant - 5 - Very solid from the polar bear.
NSW
Dugan - 5 - A couple of silly mistakes, showed his inexperience too but still proved why he's such a threat when he set up what could have been the match winner.
Morris - 3 - Nothing game again. I don't get the hype.
Gasnier - 4 - A couple of defensive reads but added next to nothing in attack.
Jennings - 6 - Best game Jennings played in the Blue. Made a couple of errors which prevents me from giving him a 7 but certainly the most lethal he's played.
Uate - 7 - A constant threat for the Maroons. Good debut and he looks to be a mainstay. The Blues broke the rules bringing him in, but I'm fine with it if it helps gives us games such as tonight.
Soward - 3 - Quiet. Couldn't believe he didn't try anything in those final few minutes.
Pearce - 4 - A couple of good long kicks, good defence, otherwise his general play was fairly uninspired.
King - 2 - Did little for the Blues.
Young - 3 - Quiet
Snowden - 5 - Solid, a couple of decent runs. Just not enough.
Scott - 7 - F**k I hated him - so he definitely did a good job.
Bird - 7 - Can't believe people thought he was quiet before that break, he was coming up with plenty of good runs from absolutely nothing.
Gallen - 5 - Made a couple of good plays but in the scheme of things didn't think he stood up enough as captain.
Ennis - 5 - Made a terrible mistake to begin with but he finally started giving the Maroon playmakers some pepper. Also gave crisper service. I thought the decision to play him off the bench was smart by Stuart, nearly paid off for him.
Creagh - 3 - Didn't notice him.
Merrin - 3 - Quiet
Mannah - 5 - See Snowden.