The Kangaroos secured a 26-6 win over England in the Ashes series opener at Wembley, with debutant Reece Walsh starring in the No.1 jersey.
The Broncos superstar was backed up by the likes of Harry Grant and Angus Crichton, but across the park the Australians turned up to secure a 1-0 lead.
Kevin Walters can breathe a sigh of relief, with the first of his three-game coaching tenure going largely smoothly.
Read on for the Kangaroos’ player ratings!
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GAME I WRAP: Walsh MOM freak show on Test debut as Kangaroos crush England
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1. Reece Walsh — 9
Backed up his grand final stunner with a Test debut for the ages.
Scored two tries, saved a couple more, while confirming why the superstar fullback must now be ranked the best rugby league player on the planet.
And while there was one poor pass early in the game, it soon became a distant memory as Walsh caused havoc for the Poms almost every time he went near the ball.
It wasn’t quite at the same level as the grand final, but it wasn’t far short.
Reece Walsh celebrates after scoring the opening try in a stunning Kangaroos debut.Source: Getty Images
2. Mark Nawaqanitawase — 7.5
Well and truly showed he belongs on the big stage with a performance typical of what we’ve come to expect from the freakishly gifted Roosters winger.Yes, there were a couple of errors along the way. But Nawaqanitawase more than made up for them with the good work he did, along with finishing with a game-high 17 runs for 201m.
3. Kotoni Staggs — 7
Won’t factor in the highlights package but Staggs still did his job like a true professional. 12 runs for 102m that included a linebreak and a try assist, along with 9 tackles without a miss.
4. Gehamat Shibasaki — 7
Like his centre partner, didn’t get a lot of opportunities to light up Wembley.But still Shibasaki worked hard with and without the ball, finishing with 12 runs for 117m that also included a linebreak and a try assist.
Gehamat Shibasaki on Test debut at Wembley.Source: AP
5. Josh Addo-Carr — 6.5
Never stopped trying but the game just didn’t go the Fox’s way.Only 9 runs for 73m but Addo-Carr’s effort could not be faulted. Right up until the final minutes was still chasing every kick hoping for a reward.
6. Cameron Munster — 7.5
Not one of Munster’s most dynamic performances but after a quiet first half came into his own as the match wore on.Finished with 8 runs for 71m that included two try assists and two linebreak assists.
7. Nathan Cleary — 7.5
By no means the star of the show but still a rock-solid performance from the champion halfback.
Like Munster, kept relatively quiet in the first half but had some classy touches in the second half that led to tries.
Also kicked five goals from as many attempts.
Nathan Cleary lines up a kick at Wembley. He booted 5/5 in the first Test.Source: Getty Images
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8. Patrick Carrigan — 7
Did exactly the job Kevvie Walters needed from him playing the front-row role.While the stats didn’t look great for Carrigan with only 8 runs for 67m, in fairness, all the forwards struggled for big metres given the slow speed of the ruck.
9. Harry Grant — 8
The Kangaroos’ second best player behind Reece Walsh.
Never stopped scheming from dummy half and was a constant threat. Had 9 runs for 74m and topped the tackle count with 35.
10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui — 7
Like his starting front-row partner did the job that was required from him to start the game.
And while Tino had a pretty big spell off in the middle of the game, when he returned it was more of the same.
Was fired up after a late melee led to Tino having words with big Dom Young. Might be something to keep an eye on in the second Test.
Crichton scores double at Wembley | 00:42
11. Angus Crichton — 8
The most damaging forward on the field, finishing with two tries and 13 runs for 126m. Was an absolute handful when he got into space.
12. Hudson Young — 7.5
Made a couple of first half handling errors but overall was it was a very strong game from the Raiders backrower, with 15 runs for 120m and 31 tackles.
13. Isaah Yeo (c) — N/A
Very unfortunate for the Kangaroos captain to cop a head knock while attempting a tackle in the opening 10 minutes of the match. Went off for a head injury assessment and never returned. Yeo is now expected to miss the second Test.
Yeo OFF after early concussion scare | 00:30
14. Tom Dearden — 6.5
Didn’t enter the game until about the 60th minute but certainly made his presence felt, combining well with Cleary and Munster in that ballplaying middle role.
In fact, I’d say the Kangaroos’ attack looked at its best after Dearden came on.
15. Lindsay Collins — 7
Got plenty of game time and while it didn’t produce any of those standout moments Collins has become known for in big matches, the hardworking Rooster still did what was required of him with 8 runs for 67m and 14 tackles.
16. Reuben Cotter — 7.5
Came on to replace Yeo at about the 10-minute mark and probably did enough to get the start in the second Test if Yeo is unavailable.
Put on a good shot that forced one turnover and had 10 runs for 82m along with 26 tackles (without a miss).
17. Keaon Koloamatangi — 6.5
Didn’t get into the game until about the final 25 minutes but it was still enough time for the Rabbitohs’ workaholic to churn through his share, with 6 runs for 57m and 13 tackles.