Player ratings: 'Major disappointment' cruelled Maroons

NSW are now one step closer to retaining the State of Origin shield after a nail-biting 11-6 victory at McDonald Jones Stadium.

The Maroons led at half-time but the Blues were able to mount a comeback to put themselves 1-0 up in the series. 

Jesse Southwell's field goal put NSW ahead late in the match before Jess Sergis' try sealed the result.

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Here's how Wide World of Sports rates the performances of each player from the Blues and Maroons.

NSW Blues

1. Abbi Church

Not her best game, making just 70 running metres and coming up with the mistake that led to Queensland's sole try.

Rating: 5

2. Jaime Chapman

Queensland gave her few chances in attack but her pace still caused the Maroons a few problems when she got room to move.

Rating: 7

3. Jess Sergis

Got few chances with the ball but nailed the big one in the last 10 seconds with a powerful burst to the tryline to seal the win.

Rating: 7.5

4. Isabelle Kelly

Despite suffering a foot injury, made a mammoth 215 running metres, the most of any player on the field.

Rating: 8

5. Jayme Fressard

Didn't see much ball on the wing in the first half … so moved to prop where she used her muscle to hurt the Maroons.

Rating: 7

6. Jocelyn Kelleher

Not prominent in attack but pulled off the tackle of the night to the delight of the crowd.

Rating: 6

7. Jesse Southwell

A mixed bag from the Blues general - didn't take on the line much or feed her outside backs but kicked well, including the decisive field goal.

Rating: 6.5

8. Millie Elliott

Seven months after having a baby, handed in a strong display for the Blues up front.

Rating: 6.5

9. Keeley Nizza

Distributed well but didn't run from dummy-half enough . Two runs for six metres.

Rating: 5

10. Ellie Johnston

The front-rower made her presence felt up the middle, barging over for the try that put the Blues back in the game after a sluggish first half.

Rating: 7

11. Tiana Penitani Gray

Worked hard all night and came up with a big try assist for Sergis in the final seconds.

Rating: 7

12. Yasmin Meakes

Topped the Blues tackle count and made a couple of damaging runs as well.

Rating: 7.5

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13. Olivia Kernick

Played a crucial role at lock, holding the middle together in defence and grinding out 160 run metres.

Rating: 7.5

14. Olivia Higgins

Her smart work close to the tryline led to Johnston's vital try that turned the tide in the Blues' favour.

Rating: 6.5

15. Kennedy Cherrington

Strong off the bench, bringing her energy and enthusiasm to lift the Blues when they needed it.

Rating: 6

16. Kezie Apps

The veteran showed some nice touches when she got her chance, using her experience to good effect.

Rating: 6

17. Teagan Berry

The Blues' debutant got 20 minutes in the second half and will be better for the experience.

Rating: 5

Queensland Maroons

1. Tamika Upton

Had some problems with her handling under the high ball but still the most dangerous player on the field. Was well marked by the Blues.

Rating: 7

2. Julia Robinson

The Maroons' leading ground-gainer with 200 metres, running her team out of trouble time and again.

Rating: 7.5

3. Rory Owen

Struggled to get into the game in attack with just six runs for 47 metres.

Rating: 4

18. Ivana Lolesio

Was given a chance in the starting side but had little impact against the strong NSW outside backs.

Rating: 4.5

5. Phoenix-Raine Hippi

The 19-year-old debutant showed she has a long Origin career ahead of her with a classy attacking display.

Rating: 7

6. Chantay Kiria-Ratu

Didn't take on the line enough with just four runs for little yardage in 70 minutes.

Rating: 4.5

7. Lauren Brown

The Maroons general was a major disappointment, making a mere two runs for 13 metres. Needs to be more prominent in game two in a fortnight.

Rating: 4

8. Makenzie Weale

Terrible luck. Smashed by the Blues from the kick-off, her head hitting the ground hard and took no further part in the game.

Rating: 0

9. Jada Ferguson

A busy performance from the Maroons hooker, topping the tackle count and getting her team moving forward from dummy-half.

Rating: 7

10. Jessika Elliston

Led the Maroons pack with 150 run metres in an impressive display in the trenches.

Rating: 7.5

11. Sienna Lofipo

One of Queensland's best, especially in defence, where she stung the Blues with some of her big hits.

Rating: 7

12. Romy Teitzel

The Blues marked the Maroons danger forward very closely, restricting her to five runs for limited effect.

Rating: 5.5

13. Keilee Joseph

Her work-rate in defence was inspirational until a bad head knock 11 minutes from the finish brought her night to an early end.

Rating: 7.5

4. Shenae Ciesiolka

Relegated to the bench, she took the setback well, coming up with a big effort when she got her chance.

Rating: 6

14. Emma Manzelmann

Made the most of her 20-minute stint at dummy-half, getting the Maroons going forward.

Rating: 6

15. Otesa Pule

Found herself on the field after one tackle and shone, scoring the Maroons' lone try and running for over 100 metres.

Rating: 8

16. Chelsea Lenarduzzi

Strong off the bench and may find herself back in the starting side in a fortnight for the crucial second game.

Rating: 6.5

19. Destiny Brill

The Maroons' 18th woman came on late but produced a key play, charging down a field goal shot late in the game.

Rating: 4