Updated June 17, 2026 — 10:19pm, first published 9:14pm
We rate the performances of every player who took the field in Wednesday night’s State of Origin clash in Melbourne.
New South Wales
1. James Tedesco
Safe at the back and busy coming out of his own end as always, but couldn’t produce any real highlight plays this time. 6.5/10
2. Brian To’o
After an error-prone start to Origin I, the tackle-busting winger was back to his usual self coming out of his own end. Did well to defuse one Sam Walker grubber in the first half but his failure to bring down two bombs led to tries in the second half. 5
3. Tolutau Koula
Back in his familiar centre role after impressing on the wing in game one. Ran the ball strongly down the left and made a couple of key tackles under pressure. 6.5
4. Kotoni Staggs
Started the night well with the game’s first try, but it only got worse from there. Made a couple of errors costly in his own half and was sin-binned for a late, high hit on Kalyn Ponga as Queensland ran away with it. 3
5. Mark Nawaqanitawase
The Roosters excitement machine did not take long to make an impact in his first Origin, grabbing a loose ball and offloading to Staggs for the game’s first try. Then scored two more himself – one with almost no room to move – and almost had a third with an acrobatic leap for the corner. 8
6. Mitchell Moses
Took over the bulk of the general play kicking duties in his return, taking some pressure off Cleary with some strong long kicks. 6
7. Nathan Cleary
Created the game’s second try, whipping a terrific long pass to Nawaqanitawase. Fooled at marker by Harry Grant to concede a second-half try. Kicked three goals, including two from the right sideline. 7
8. Payne Haas
Back with a bang after missing Origin I due to injury, Haas produced several big runs as the Blues started much better through the middle than they did in game one. 7
9. Reece Robson
Not a run threat out of dummy half and made an error in the lead-up to Queensland’s second try. Outshone by Harry Grant. 5
10. Mitchell Barnett
Was the Blues’ busiest defender early on in a 20-minute stint, then came back late to score a consolation try. 7
11. Hudson Young
The busiest NSW forward in attack, and the only member of the pack to make more than 100 run metres. Always looked dangerous down the left edge with several tough carries and an offload. 7
12. Dylan Lucas
The Origin debutant was rusty in an unfamiliar right edge role, missing a tackle on Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow in the lead-up to Queensland’s first try and part of a frail right edge where the Maroons threatened repeatedly. 4
13. Isaah Yeo
Rock solid as always in a 70-minute performance with 10 carries and more than 30 tackles. 6.5
14. Cameron Murray
The Souths skipper again made an immediate impact off the bench with tough runs and rapid play-the-balls. Flawless in defence, and laid on a late try for Barnett. Should start next game. 7.5
15. Victor Radley
Came on late in the first half and was penalised twice for high tackles, and put on report for one of them. Was otherwise busy in defence. 5
16. Addin Fonua-Blake
Came on with 25 minutes left, had some strong carries, but was subbed off again 10 minutes later. 5
17. Apisai Koroisau
N/A.
18. Ethan Strange
Came on with 15 minutes left to try to spark an unlikely comeback, but didn’t get much of a chance to have an impact. 5
19. Jack Bostock
N/A.
Queensland
1. Kalyn Ponga
Outstanding under the high ball again. Fairly well contained by the Blues early on but came to life in the second half. 7.5/10
2. Selwyn Cobbo
Has Cobbo played a better game? Scored three tries and laid on another for Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow with a deft kick. Also made several strong carries. 8
3. Robert Toia
Was also well contained by the Blues but went within a whisker of scoring his team’s second try. Defended stoutly throughout. 6.5
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
Opportunities were few and far between until he made the clean break that led to the Maroons’ first-half try. Outstanding second half. 7
5. Jojo Fifita
After a quiet first half, especially in attack, easily out-leaped To’o for his first Origin try. 6.5
6. Cameron Munster
Yet another classy captain’s knock, combining superbly with Walker. Laid on two tries with pinpoint kicks and had a big hand in the Maroons’ first four-pointer, too. 8.5
Queensland skipper Cameron Munster. Getty Images 7. Sam Walker
His second Origin was even better than his first three weeks ago. Flawless with the goalkicking boot, landing seven from seven. Set to be the Maroons’ halfback for the next decade. 8
8. Thomas Flegler
Simple handling error from the kick-off gifted the Blues the opening try, but otherwise solid in his 34-minute stint. 6
9. Harry Grant
Cameron Smith in commentary rated this as Grant’s best Origin performance in some time, with his dummy-half scoots terrorising the Blues. 8
10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
Playing his first game since the death of his beloved father, Fereti, the giant front-rower was a tower of streng…
Read the full article at The Sydney Morning Herald →📄Source document: Ashley Klein
20 reports
The AgeParty-alignedCenter4 days agoThe article discusses former NSW coach Phil Gould's reaction to the team's heavy defeat by Queensland in the State of Origin match, which ended with a score of 44-24. The piece includes video highlights and mentions other players' responses to the loss.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on sports commentary and does not involve political topics or biased framing. It reports on a sporting event and player reactions without taking a stance or showing ideological slant.
The Sydney Morning HeraldParty-alignedCenter4 days agoThe article discusses former NSW coach Phil Gould's reaction to the team's heavy defeat by Queensland in the State of Origin match, which ended with a score of 44-24. The piece includes video highlights and mentions player reactions, such as Nathan Cleary being consoled by Mary Fowler.
Bias read (Center): The article covers a sports event with no explicit political commentary or framing. It focuses on the game outcome and player reactions without taking a stance or using biased language.
The Sydney Morning HeraldParty-alignedCenter4 days ago State of Origin game 2 as it happened: Queensland’s 36-point second-half blitz sets up Suncorp Stadium deciderThe article covers events from the second State of Origin rugby league match between Queensland and New South Wales. It discusses Kotoni Staggs' controversial tackle on Kalyn Ponga, which led to Staggs being sin-binned, and questions whether this incident will affect his selection for the third game. Additionally, it mentions Laurie Daley's leadership and the performance of the NSW team during the match.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual reporting on a sports event without evident ideological framing, loaded language, or biased sourcing. It focuses on player actions and coaching decisions within the context of a sporting competition, which is inherently non-political.
The AgeParty-alignedCenter4 days ago State of Origin game 2 as it happened: Queensland’s 36-point second-half blitz sets up Suncorp Stadium deciderThe article covers events from the second State of Origin rugby league match between Queensland and New South Wales. It discusses Kotoni Staggs' controversial tackle on Kalyn Ponga, which led to Staggs being sin-binned, and questions whether this incident will affect his selection for the third game. Additionally, it mentions Laurie Daley's leadership and the performance of the NSW team during the match.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual reporting on a sports event without evident ideological framing, loaded language, or biased sourcing. It focuses on player actions and coaching decisions within the context of a sporting competition, which is inherently non-political.
The AgeParty-alignedCenter4 days ago NSW looked unbeatable after 20 minutes. But then it all turnedThe article discusses an Australian rugby league match between New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland, focusing on the initial strong performance by NSW followed by a reversal in momentum. It highlights Queensland's effective second-half performance and criticizes some of NSW's strategic decisions, including player selections and omissions.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a balanced account of the sports event without overtly favoring either team politically. It critiques both teams' strategies and performances without taking a clear ideological stance.
The Sydney Morning HeraldParty-alignedCenter4 days ago NSW looked unbeatable after 20 minutes. But then it all turnedThe article discusses an Australian rugby league match between New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland, focusing on the initial strong performance by NSW followed by a reversal in momentum. It highlights Queensland's effective second-half performance and criticizes some of NSW's strategic decisions, including player selections and omissions.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a balanced account of the sports event without overtly favoring either team politically. It critiques both teams' strategies and performances without taking a clear ideological stance.
The AgeParty-alignedCenter4 days ago Maroons force Blues to sit through horror movie they’ve seen too many times beforeIn the second game of the 2026 State of Origin series, Queensland (the Maroons) defeated New South Wales (the Blues) with a score of 44-24. Despite being down at halftime and without home-field advantage, Queensland staged a comeback, leveling the series and forcing the Blues into a third deciding match. The article highlights the frustration among NSW supporters, who feel that despite dominating headlines and selection processes, Queensland consistently finds ways to overcome them.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a straightforward account of the sporting event without overtly favoring either team politically. It focuses on the performance and strategies of both teams, highlighting the frustration of NSW supporters but does not take a biased stance toward either side. There is no evidence
The Sydney Morning HeraldParty-alignedCenter4 days ago Maroons force Blues to sit through horror movie they’ve seen too many times beforeIn the second game of the 2026 State of Origin series, Queensland (the Maroons) defeated New South Wales (the Blues) with a score of 44-24. Despite being down at halftime and playing away from home, Queensland staged a comeback, leveling the series and forcing the Blues into a third deciding match. The article highlights the recurring pattern of Queensland's dominance in the series, despite NSW's efforts to establish themselves as favorites.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a straightforward account of the sporting event without overtly favoring either team politically. It focuses on the performance and strategies of both teams, using descriptive language typical of sports journalism. There is no evident ideological framing or biased language that傾
The Sydney Morning HeraldParty-alignedCenter4 days ago Kotoni Staggs was sin-binned for a high shot. Maroons wanted him sent offKotoni Staggs was sin-binned for a high shot during a rugby league match between Queensland and New South Wales. The tackle occurred in the 67th minute and potentially jeopardized Staggs' chances of retaining his position for game three, with several injured players expected to return. Referee Ashley Klein cited the elevated risk of injury due to Staggs racing out of the line. Staggs expressed regret over the incident and emphasized that he intended to ensure Ponga was okay.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a sports event without taking a stance on any political issue. It provides factual details about the incident, including quotes from involved parties and the referee's explanation. There is no indication of biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing that would lean
The AgeParty-alignedCenter4 days ago Kotoni Staggs was sin-binned for a high shot. Maroons wanted him sent offKotoni Staggs was sin-binned for a high shot during a rugby league match between Queensland and New South Wales. The tackle occurred in the 67th minute and potentially jeopardized Staggs' chances of retaining his position for game three, with several injured players expected to return. Referee Ashley Klein cited 'elevated risk of injury' as the reason for the penalty. Staggs expressed regret over the incident and noted that he ensured Ponga was okay.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a sports event without taking a stance on any political issue. It provides factual details about the incident, player reactions, and referee decisions without showing bias toward either team or individual.
The Sydney Morning HeraldParty-alignedCenter4 days ago Daley’s selections under scrutiny as Blues face daunting decider in BrisbaneThe article discusses Laurie Daley's coaching performance ahead of the second State of Origin match, noting that while the NSW team initially performed well, they struggled in the second half. If NSW loses the upcoming match in Brisbane, it would mark the second consecutive year they have lost a series after holding a 1-0 lead. Questions are raised about Daley's leadership and the team's ability to recover.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a balanced overview of the situation without overtly favoring either side. It reports on the team's performance, the potential implications for Daley's tenure, and raises questions about the team's strategy without taking a clear stance or using biased language.
The AgeParty-alignedCenter4 days ago Daley’s selections under scrutiny as Blues face daunting decider in BrisbaneThe article discusses Laurie Daley's coaching performance ahead of the second State of Origin match, noting that while the NSW team initially performed well, they struggled in the second half. The piece highlights concerns over Daley's leadership and the potential implications if NSW loses the upcoming match in Brisbane, which would mark the second consecutive year they surrender a series lead.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a balanced overview of the situation without overtly favoring either side. It presents facts about the team's performance and raises questions about Daley's leadership without using biased language or selectively omitting information.
The AgeParty-alignedCenter4 days ago Blues blown off MCG in a Maroons masterclassQueensland defeated New South Wales 44-24 in a State of Origin rugby league match at the MCG. The game saw Queensland dominate after a slow start, with standout performances from players like Cameron Munster and Selwyn Cobbo. The result marks another loss for NSW coach Laurie Daley, surpassing Wayne Bennett in coaching defeats. The series will now move to a decider in July.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a sports event with no explicit political commentary or framing. It reports on the outcome, player performances, and implications for the coaching staff without taking a stance or using biased language.
The Sydney Morning HeraldParty-alignedCenter4 days ago Blues blown off MCG in a Maroons masterclassQueensland defeated New South Wales 44-24 in a State of Origin rugby league match at the MCG. The game saw Queensland dominate after a slow start, with standout performances from players like Cameron Munster and Selwyn Cobbo. The result marks another loss for NSW coach Laurie Daley, surpassing Wayne Bennett in coaching defeats. The series will now move to a decider in July.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a straightforward account of a sports event without overtly favoring either team or using biased language. It focuses on the performance of players and coaches, and while it mentions the implications for the NSW team and coach Laurie Daley, it does so factually without taking a
The AgeParty-alignedCenter4 days ago Consolation try for a beaten-down NSW BluesIn the second game of the 2026 State of Origin series, the NSW Blues were defeated by Queensland. Mitch Barnett scored a late consolation try for NSW, but it was not enough to secure a win.
Bias read (Center): The article covers a sports event with no political implications. The language is neutral, focusing on the outcome of the match and the performance of players without any biased framing or emphasis on political issues.
The Sydney Morning HeraldParty-alignedCenter4 days ago Consolation try for a beaten-down NSW BluesThe NSW Blues suffered a defeat in their match against Queensland, with Mitch Barnett scoring a late consolation try under the posts. However, this was not enough to secure a win for the NSW team.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a sports event without any political commentary or bias. It focuses solely on the game outcome and does not take a stance on any political issue.
The Sydney Morning HeraldParty-alignedCenter4 days ago State of Origin player ratings: How the Blues and Maroons fared in game twoThe article provides player ratings for the State of Origin rugby league match between New South Wales (Blues) and Queensland (Maroons). It evaluates individual performances, highlighting both strengths and mistakes by players from both teams.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses solely on sports performance evaluations without political commentary, framing, or bias. It presents objective assessments of player actions during a sporting event.
ABC News (Australia)State / PublicCenter4 days agoCoaches Billy Slater and Laurie Daley defended referee Ashley Klein after his gambling history was disclosed. Klein admitted to having a past issue with horse and greyhound betting, losing approximately $400,000. The coaches expressed concern over the public exposure of Klein's personal life and emphasized that it had no bearing on his professional performance.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without overtly favoring any side. It reports on the coaches' defense of Klein and includes details from Klein himself and a whistleblower. There is no evident editorializing or biased language.
Official sources cited
- press release Ashley Klein
- press release Whistleblower Statement
ABC News (Australia)State / PublicCenter5 days ago Daley reveals Strange's new role as Blues aim to clinch Origin series winEthan Strange is set to be used off the interchange bench as a back-rower in State of Origin II by the NSW Blues team. Coach Laurie Daley stated that Strange will play to his strengths, focusing on carrying the ball effectively. Strange made a notable debut in Origin I after replacing the injured Mitchell Moses and contributed to the Blues' victory. Despite questions about Moses' fitness, he is expected to start in Origin II. Cameron Murray will also come off the bench as he did in the previous game.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on sports coverage regarding player roles and strategies in a state rugby league competition. There is no political content or ideological framing present. The language remains neutral, providing factual information about team decisions and player performances without any biased措
The AgeParty-alignedCenter6 days ago These 20 minutes are the Blues’ biggest problem. This is how they fix itThe article discusses the performance of the New South Wales (NSW) team, known as the Blues, during the first match of the State of Origin series against Queensland. According to Blues hooker Reece Robson, the team's main issue was making errors and giving the opposition too much possession in the first 20 minutes. Key players like Brian To’o and Stephen Crichton made uncharacteristic mistakes, leading to a significant deficit. Despite these challenges, the Blues managed to recover and take a 1-0 series lead following a controversial red card for Queensland's Ponga. The article also mentions a
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on sports performance and does not present any political content or ideological framing. It provides quotes from players and describes the match events without taking a stance or showing bias.
Australia