Maroons have found a star in the making despite dismal loss: QLD Player Ratings

The Maroons have lost Origin Game I to the Blues at Suncorp Stadium, 18-6.

The Maroons were outplayed at home and now need two big performances in Game II and III to reclaim the shield from the Blues.

Serious questions will be asked about the positions of certain players, check out SEN's Player Rankings to find out who!

1. Kalyn Ponga - 5

Very quiet throughout the match. Tried his hardest to inject himself but just couldn't find ways to beat the Blues defence.

2. Xavier Coates - 7.5

One of Queensland's best and yet again proved on the biggest stage why he's one of the best wingers in the competition. He tormented Brian To'o all night, and the reality of him being such an aerial threat got To'o sin binned, ultimately leading to him scoring the Maroons first try.

3. Robert Toia - 6.5

Was solid in his first game at Origin level, showing he will be a star for the Maroons in the many years to come. If there were individual points in rugby league, he'd walk out tied with Latrell Mitchell in their battle. Should hold his head high after his performance.

4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow - 5

Was really quiet thanks to being nullified by Stephen Crichton. You'd think it means he'll break out in Game II but will need to have a big performance to even the score against the Bulldogs' captain.

5. Valentine Holmes - 5.5

Found himself outplayed by Zac Lomax in all metrics across the board. Shifting back to the wing after playing centre at club level, Holmes never seemed comfortable against Lomax.

6. Cameron Munster - 5.5

Tried his hardest to produce some Munster magic from a series like 2020 but really struggled to find a way to break the Blues defence. Found himself being smothered by the Blues quick line speed.

7. Daly Cherry-Evans - 6.5

Became the oldest player in Origin history tonight, and while he didn't dominate the contest, he proved that he still has a place at this level. Struggling behind a beaten forward pack and would try his best to spark something in attack but ultimately couldn't crack the Blues.

8. Moeaki Fotuaika - 5.5

A big 35 tackles but only four runs in 46 minutes simply isn't enough for a starting prop in Origin. Had some strong runs but was outmuscled by Haas and Barnett from the outset.

9. Harry Grant - 4.5

The lack of match fitness was really evident early in the match. Four crucial errors in the first half that relieved any pressure on the Blues and his running game that has torn NSW apart in the past was completely absent.

10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui - 8

It only took the first 20 minutes for Tino Fa’asuamaleaui to demonstrate how much the Maroons needed him in the last series. Played like he had a vendetta against the colour blue itself. Was sorely missed in 2024.

11. Reuben Cotter - 6

Played 64 minutes in the unfamiliar role of a second rower but was very quiet. A huge 45 tackles with no misses but struggled to make an impact in attack.

12. Jeremiah Nanai - 7.5

Any doubts over his position in the side have been dismissed. Was easily one of Queensland's best, constantly threatening on the ground and in the air. Caused a Latrell Mitchell error on the Blues' line to set up Queensland's first and only try.

13. Pat Carrigan - 7

A big and ever-reliable performance from Pat Carrigan. Showed what you always get from him; 136 metres and 53 tackles is what you want from your elite Origin middles.

14. Tom Dearden - 6.5

Straightened the Maroons attack when he came on and they looked the most dangerous when he subbed Harry Grant off. May have ended Ben Hunt's Origin career, seamlessly playing that role.

15. Lindsay Collins - 5

Another player who's lack of match fitness going into the game really hampered their impact. Had some solid runs but was missing the dominance he's shown at club and Origin level in year's past.

16. Beau Fermor - 4.5

Only got 17 minutes and struggled to get into the game. Hopefully it doesn't cost him his spot because his club form has shown he's earned one but needs to find the best way to translate his 80 minute club role into an effective bench role.

17. Trent Loiero - 4.5

A quiet Origin debut for Trent Loiero, who got solid minutes in the middle but didn't have any big impact on the game.