1. James Tedesco – Sparked NSW into attack in the first half and scored a double in the second, including the last-minute winner. Ran for a game-high 222 metres. Player of the series. 9.5

2. Blake Ferguson – Targeted under the high ball but handled the extra attention with aplomb and ran for 158 metres before setting up the match-winning try. 8.5

3. Tom Trbojevic – Knocked on early and was quiet in attack before sparking the match-winning play and defended well all night. 7.5

4. Jack Wighton – The Canberra utility defended with vigour and ran hard for 97 metres from 12 runs. 7.5

5. Josh Addo-Carr – Energetic without leaving his mark on the game. Ran for 94 metres. 7

6. James Maloney – Cool, calm and collected all night. Made some mistakes but his composure ensured the Blues finished the job. Booted 5/5 off the tee. 8

7. Mitchell Pearce – quiet in attack but defended well and is finally rewarded with his first shield more than a decade after making his debut. 7

8. Daniel Saifiti – Made 14 tackles and only ran for 26 metres but did his job. 6.5

9. Damien Cook – crafty out of the ruck all night and scored what appeared to be the sealer with some fancy footwork that bamboozled Cameron Munster. Made 38 tackles. 8

15. David Klemmer – A late inclusion into the starting side and showed why with 115 metres and 21 tackles. 7.5

11. Boyd Cordner – A real captain’s knock doing plenty of grunt work and running for 106 metres while making 29 tackles. 8

12. Tyson Frizell – gave away the penalty that invited the Maroons back into the match but made 34 tackles in an energetic display. 7

13. Jake Trbojevic – Led the Blues in defence with 39 tackles, including a few try-saving efforts at the death. 8.5

10. Paul Vaughan – Scored NSW’s opening try after muscling his way over from close range. Ran for 55 metres and made 18 tackles. 7.5

14. Dale Finucane – Best bench player with 95 metres and 17 tackles. 7.5

16. Cameron Murray – Made a handy one-on-one strip in the second half and a 40-metre break through the midfield. Impact player. 7.5

17. Wade Graham – Didn’t have the same impact as game two due to limited minutes but contributed nonetheless. 7.