The Maroon 5 | Thebigtip

Another Origin battle has been fought and won by the team most likely and yet, the new look, un-fancied Blues served it up to a Queensland team that everyone thought would waltz into game 2 one nil up.

The game ebbed and flowed like all Origins should. Queensland flew out of the barriers breathing fire and dominated early but couldn't apply enough scoreboard pressure to crush the Blue's spirit and put the game beyond doubt by the interval. To the Blues credit, they sensed that the Maroon juggernaught was a tad on the nose working up towards half time and began to apply the screws. But unlike Queensland, they lacked the polish and poise to bother the score keeper or hurt the Maroons, however, a belief was discovered which made the game evenly poised at the break.

The second half began much the same way the first did. The Blues had the momentum but Queensland didn't allow them to capitalise. They peppered the blues with an onslaught of Origin-esque pressure and forced the Blues to set up camp in thier own half. Line drop out after line drop out and the Maroons were only able to produce 1 four pointer. A curious decision to opt for a penalty shot at goal when the Blues were seemingly unable to withstand any more pressure didn't hit the target when Thurston had to make it stick, allowed the Blues the avenue back into the game they desperately needed.

What ensued was a 10 minute Maroon nap where New South Wales were able to walk in 2 virtually undefended tries. With the oppositions noses in front, we saw what we see Queensland do time and time again. When they have to make a play stick to win the match, they more often than not do. The combination of seasoned campaigners, skillfully drilled set plays and a winning culture was enough to get the Maroons over the finish line first. But not without a scare and I think it's pretty fair to say that both teams learnt something about each other last night which makes the build up to game 2 very tantalising.

There were some stand out performances and some ugly performances from both camps but I'm taking the opporyunity to highlight the 5 Maroon standouts along with some honourable mentions.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS: Willie Tonga - Played virtually 80 minutes with a busted shoulder. Defended solidly under obvious duress. Without being brilliant, Tonga's performance was symbolic of Queenslands's hardness and desire to compete. Will probalby miss game 2 but should be extremely proud of his efforts.

Ben Hannant - The drop bear's impact off the bench was telling. Made plenty of yards and delivered some bone crunching tackles. Another typically Queensland Origin performance. Made his alloted time count.

Nate Myles - A mature performance from a player who seems to be getting better with every game. A brick wall when he needed to be but was also looking to attack at every opportunity. Extremely versatile player.

Cooper Cronk - Didn't have much game time but looked like an Origin player when on the field. Kicking game was spot on and did his very best to highlight the fact that the depth of Queensland talent runs deep.

Jonathan Thurston - Didn't have one of his best 80 minute stints but had little periods of dominance. So creative but does the little things (mini strips, defensive tackles, ankle taps) better than anyone else.

THE MAROON 5:

1 vote Darious Boyd - Obviously had one thing on his mind pre-match. "Make Mark Gasnier look ordinary". Buried "the Gaz" into the turf on numerous occasions and played with an air of confidence that a blue could only dream of. Always looks dangerous when he runs with the ball in one hand.

2 votes Billy Slater - Played hard as per usual and as reliable as ever. Was always sniffing around the ball when Queensland were threatening. Did what "the kid" is famous for. Put himself in the right spot to ice the match for his team. Outstanding.

3 votes Ashley Harrison - Flew under the radar and quietly plotted his destruction of the Blues. Rampaging runs and bone rattling tackles ALL NIGHT. Always turns up to play for his state and never dissapoints. An un-sung hero who is one of the most reliable work horses in the game.

4 votes Cameron Smith - Ran the ball up the middle from dummy half all night. In fact, I cant recall the last time Smith did that much running from dummy half. Was fierce in attack and made close to 50 taclkes. Superb all round performance and proved one thing. That Ennis and Farrah will never play for Australia unless he is injured.

5 votes Matt Scott - Best prop in the world for mine. Had the Blue's runners trying to avoid him at all costs. Showed the Queensland faithful that they need not worry about the iminent retirement of Civoniceva. Set up the match winning try with a gut busting run breaking through the Blue defense. An absolute ripper game.

So there it is. Bring on Game 2 and hopefully we get another cracking game.