State of Origin 2026 Game 3: Queensland Maroons player ratings
State of Origin is done and dusted for another year with the Maroons falling 30-12 to a brilliant New South Wales who stormed to a 2-1 series win.
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In a massive turnaround from Game II in Melbourne, the Blues were steely in defence and led brilliantly by Nathan Cleary, sending the Maroons fans home disappointed.
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State of Origin 2026 Game 3: QLD Maroons player ratings
1 — Kalyn Ponga — 6
The Maroons fullback has certainly had an eventful series and Game III was a mixed bag. Threw a mistimed pass in the first half that saw a chance go begging for QLD. Constantly threatened on the edges without breaking the NSW line. Shifted to the halves when Sam Walker went off for an HIA early in second half, then was replaced when Walker returned.
2 — Selwyn Cobbo — 7
Highly involved but less effective than his brilliant Game II as the Blues tightened their right edge defence. Lost the ball cheaply in a one-on-one strip by Nathan Clearly that led to the third NSW try, one of three errors in the first half. Picked up a crucial second-half try after a fortunate bounce to get the Maroons back into the contest.
3 — Robert Toia — 6
The young Roosters centre gave Bradman Best plenty to think about in the opening exchanges, but ultimately came off second best. Almost scored a vital try in the second half that would have closed the gap to just six points.
4 — Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow — 5.5
The Hammer had a quiet start (by his usually explosive standards) with the Maroons left edge well handled by the Blues for most of the first half — until the 35th minute when he finally sliced past Stephen Crichton to get QLD on the board. That was about it though on a night when the maroons needed more.
5 — Jojo Fifita — 5.5
Another solid match from the Titans star who’s had a good debut series for the Maroons, capped with a second half try.
6 — Cameron Munster (c) — 5
The Maroons captain was another star who failed to reach his usual lofty standards at this level. Kicked well early, but missed several key tackles (10 for the match) and wasn’t hugely dangerous with the ball.
7 — Sam Walker — 6
Solid enough but struggled to have as much influence this time out, also missed his first goals of the series to lose his 100 per cent Origin kicking record. Copped a head knock in friendly fire from Roosters teammate Robert Toia in the opening stages of the second half and went off for an HIA, but passed. Will learn a lot from this.
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8 — Tom Flegler — 4
The Dolphins prop wasn’t sure he’d even play NRL again his time last year so cab be pleased with his series. Just 31 minutes for seven runs and 25 tackles.
9 — Harry Grant — 6.5
Labelled a ‘cheat’ by Phil Gould before the match, the Queensland and Australian No.9 was on a mission but failed to reach his usual high level. Struggled to make a major impact early in attack and only made two runs from dummy half in the first 40 minutes. Racked up a massive 52 tackles.
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10 — Tino Fa’asuamaleaui — 5
The Titans skipper started like a beast in defence but ran out of steam. Made 27 tackles and ran for 92 metres, but will have wanted so much more in such a big game.
11 — Briton Nikora — 5.5
Played 70 minutes making 49 tackles, but also missed seven. Placed on report for a first-half raised forearm on Jack Bostock. Went off for a Cat 2 HIA late in the second half.
12 — Kurt Capewell — 3.5
Nearing the twilight of his Origin career, the 32-year-old had a difficult night caught out in defence in both of the first two NSW tries. Also made a crucial error in the opening set of the second half to put NSW immediately on the attack, then another just a few minutes later.
13 — Reuben Cotter — 5
Tireless as always, Cotter did a power of work in defence with 41 tackles but also made a costly error handling error in 11th minute to put his team under pressure, while soft defence also led to Cam Murray’s try. He’s had better nights in Origin.
14 — Max Plath — 4
Came on after 21 minutes and ended up playing 53 minutes. Penalised for a crucial offside that saw a Robert Toia try disallowed in the second half — a moment that proved hugely costly.
15 — Patrick Carrigan — N/A
Coming into the match off an extended injury absence, Carrigan remained on the bench.
16 — Jeremiah Nanai — 3
The Cowboys star played 30 solid enough minutes, but failed to leave his mark on the match. Had barely come on the field when took a direct impact to the head from a full-blooded Mitchell Moses kick.
17 — Trent Loiero — 4.5
Played 45 minutes logging 10 runs and 22 tackles. Soft defence led to Cam Murray’s try.
18 — Reece Walsh — 4
Injected early in the second half as Sam Walker came off for an HIA with the Maroons trailing 18-4. Initially shared the playmaking duties before replacing Ponga at fullback when Walker returned. Looked dangerous at times, but well handled by the Blues.
19 — Murray Tualagi — N/A
Was an Origin spectator for the second straight match, but receives a nice pay day all the same.
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