Summary
History was made in Townsville tonight and the crowd of 22,000 people were delighted that it was the Maroons who made that history. Queensland played to the conditions perfectly – NSW looked like they prepared for dry weather football and just couldn’t adjust to the wet and slippery conditions. Brilliant kicking from Aiken and Brigginshaw all throughout the game was devastating for the Blues. Both players seemed to have the ball on a string and could guide it anywhere they pleased. Kicking early in the set was clearly a coaching direction that worked incredibly well for them.
All up it was a fantastic series, with two games played in very tough, wet conditions. It will be a long year for the Blues as they grapple with what could have been, but as the players head back to their NRLW clubs, no doubt Kylie Hilder will be planning for revenge in 2025.
Thanks so much for joining me throughout this women’s Origin series. It has been such a joy to witness the love and passion for women’s rugby league – from the massive crowds at all three games to the huge numbers watching on the broadcast and the chat around town from everyone who sees this game for what it is – rugby league at its finest.
Until next time good bye and make sure you’re getting prepared for the NRLW season – it’s going to be a big one!
Here’s tonight’s match report from Jack Snape:
Now we hear from the winning captain Ali Brigginshaw.
“To the NRL for allowing us and giving us a three-game series. We’ve wanted this for a lot of years and finally we’ve been able to achieve it, so thank you. To Kylie, Iz and Kez, to be part of these two teams, it’s so special, it’s always a privilege and a moment to play against each other. So hold your heads up, NSW Blues. To my team, what an effort! It’s been so many years where we haven’t quite started well and, tonight, we finally got the jump on the start. Super proud of every single one of you. And to Townsville, once again, you showed up, you got us home. Thank you!”
NSW co-captains Isabelle Kelly and Kezie Apps are on the stage now, they still look very emotional, but Kelly speaks with eloquence and heart.
“I want to thank the Queensland Maroons, you guys deserved that tonight, you played with a lot of heart and I just have to say it was all yours. To my Sky Blues, win or lose, no matter what, I’m so proud of every single individual and I love to be part of this group. I bleed blue for you guys and I know you do for me. Our staff, our coaches, I’m so proud of every single person who’s part of that crew. Lastly, I want to thank the crowd for continually showing up these last three games. What we do wouldn’t be possible without you guys. So thank you so much for putting your support into women’s rugby league.”
Player of the Series: Shannon Mato
Mato is a woman of few words, but she looks pretty happy with the honour.
“I’m really speechless right now but one thing I’d like to say is thank you to the crowd for showing up. NSW, for giving us a good series. To my family, I love you, to my brother, this is for you. I love you guys, thank you.”
And let’s not forget that flying 90m intercept try from Jaime Chapman
Jaime Chapman take a bow! 👏#Origin pic.twitter.com/B8akwvhMzx
— NRLW (@NRLWomens) June 27, 2024
While we’re waiting for the Shield presentation, why not reflect on that last try from Rapana?
Tazmin Rapana seals the series! 🤯#Origin pic.twitter.com/U1ctSwizon
— NRLW (@NRLWomens) June 27, 2024
Tarryn Aiken is full of emotion as well – she can’t believe they have pulled it off.
“It was so hard out there, it was the hardest game I’ve ever played. That second half, I was just trying to hang on. We made a big point during the week to work on cutting down our defensive errors. It got us there in the end.”
Plenty of emotion from the Blues’ only try scorer Jaime Chapman, you can see how much this means to her.
“I’m so proud of our girls. We had such a good series and I think we left a lot out on that field. We’re going to come back bigger, stronger and better next year. Good work, Queensland. You know, you gave it to us and you were better today.”
Player of the Match: Evania Pelite
Evania Pelite can’t stop beaming, she’s delighted with this performance.
“I’m so proud,” she tells Jonathan Thurston. “We didn’t come out and play our best game in game 1, we fought through in game 2 and came out tonight, so proud.”
She’s overwhelmed by the Player of the Match honours.
“I didn’t expect this at all! So proud of the girls, couldn’t have done it without them.”
Full-time: QLD 22-6 NSW
Well, what a game! Queensland well and truly did their homework and they are the winners of this historic, first ever three-match women’s Origin series. Their kicking game was spot on and their choice to kick early many times during the match was the key to their victory. NSW will be bitterly disappointed and will have much to reflect on as they aim to come back better next year.
GOAL! QLD 22-6 NSW
A straightforward conversion from Brown and she puts the final nail in the coffin of the NSW Origin campaign.
TRY! QLD 20-6 NSW (Rapana, 67)
Brigginshaw gets a good pass away to Lenarduzzi who almost drops it, but manages to push it backwards to Rapana who runs a lovely angle to score.
66 mins: More great intent from NSW to start their set – they look like a completely different team. They’re putting up some good kicks, but Paki is fielding them with ease over on the left wing. Johnston steals the ball in a one-on-one tackle, but then she knocks it on.
64 mins: A line break from NSW looks like it might spark some magic, but Pearson decides to run herself rather than kick and loses the ball in the process. Queensland are on the march again and the Queenslander (aka Free the Pug) chant goes up around the ground.
62 mins: NSW looked buoyed by those points and start their set with much more confidence than we’ve seen from them so far this game. Apps makes some great post-contact metres and it’s a completed set from them, which has been rare in this game. Queensland still have determination to score, they don’t want to just defend this total and they play a good attacking set and chase the kick, but Tonegato is under it safely.
60 mins: The Blues have had to do so much defending tonight and it’s not getting any easier for them. They go close to scoring, but Tonegato strips the ball out – the referee rules it was not in the act of scoring, so it’s penalty to Queensland. We then get Chapman’s intercept and NSW score against the run of play.
GOAL! QLD 16-6 NSW
Pearson slots the conversion with ease and there’s life in this game yet!
TRY! QLD 16-4 NSW (Chapman 58)
At last NSW get on the board and it comes through a Chapman intercept and a 90m sprint down the other end of the field, which she finishes with a dive over the line.
57 mins: Pelite starts Queensland’s set with a great run and then Brown has an incredible line break, making plenty of metres before eventually being pulled down, but it puts the Maroons in great position once again.
55 mins: A Queensland hand on the pass sets off an incredible series of events and NSW goes achingly close to scoring a number of times, but Queensland’s defence will not rest for a second and the Maroons get the scrum feed.
53 mins: Chapman makes a really good run at the line, but incredible defence from Queensland forces her to the line and she knocks on as she tries desperately to get the ball down in the corner. Queensland motor back down the field looking for more points and NSW is running out of time to put up some fight in this game. Johnston gets a great charge down at the end of the set, Aiken knocks on and NSW get the ball back, but time is ticking away.
51 mins: More good field position for Queensland – what can they do with it? They look to score through Chelsea Lenarduzzi, but she loses the ball before she gets it down and it’s a let off for NSW. They move down the field, but they’re looking flat footed and Queensland are relentless in defence. A penalty for a second effort in the tackle gives NSW a chance at the line.
49 mins: Kemp makes a great hit up and gets the offload away – a really good moment from her. Pearson puts in a decent grubber, but Upton is all over it and NSW again can’t find any points. Brigginshaw puts in another early kick, but Clydsdale hits her after the kick and Queensland get a penalty and Clydsdale is on report.
47 mins: Queensland are in great position and NSW look rattled, but the Maroons drop the slippery ball. The ref rules it a knock on and the Maroons challenge it – worth a shot even just to let them catch their breath before starting their defensive set. The bunker agrees that it’s a knock on and the Blues take the scrum feed. Baxter looks to lose the ball in the tackle, but it’s ruled a strip by Queensland and NSW get the penalty.
45 mins: Kemp gets herself in great position to break through the line, but she can’t hold on to the ball and it’s yet another dropped ball error from her – she was outstanding in Game 1, but hasn’t had the same impact tonight. Queensland push back down field and Robinson gets some very good post-contact metres to give the Maroons some momentum. Then Kemp gives away a penalty – it is not her night at all.
43 mins: NSW gets a penalty and they really need some points now, but the ball is slippery and every pass is risky. Kemp tries to spark something with a strong hit up and Kernick nearly finds some space with a big dummy and they get another penalty.
41 mins: The rain is relentless – there was barely a blip on the radar before the game, so it’s quite surprising. Queensland have gained even more momentum after that penalty goal and they’re putting huge amounts of pressure on in defence.
PENALTY GOAL! QLD 16-0 NSW
Brown is off the field, but Teitzel slots the goal easily to put Queensland another two points ahead.
39 mins: For those who don’t know, it’s only a 40/30 required in the women’s game, but Brigginshaw got the 40/20 anyway! NSW immediately give away a penalty and the Maroons give them a pat on the back to rub it in – that would have been enough to get them a sin bin in last night’s match!
37 mins: We’re back for the second half, with NSW getting first use of the football. They complete their set, which is a huge improvement and get straight into defence. Queensland keep up their steady brand of football and again kick early – Brigginshaw picks up a 40/20!
What was your highlight from the first half? Aside from those two tries, I think mine was when the crowd started the Queenslander chant and my daughter asked if they were saying “Free the Pugs”. You can drop me a line via email or on X – the links are at the top of the page.
The second try was this opportunistic pounce from Robinson – it was poor from NSW and the Maroons made them pay.
Julia Robinson pounces! 💥#Origin pic.twitter.com/lnn3nzF44V
— NRLW (@NRLWomens) June 27, 2024
Well, while you catch your breath at half-time, let’s relive those tries. First up we have this great effort from Evania Pelite in the very first minute of the game from an early kick.
Evania Pelite strikes early for QLD! 👊#Origin Thanks to @goodyear pic.twitter.com/Ha36QtNc0p
— NRLW (@NRLWomens) June 27, 2024
Half-time: QLD 14-0 NSW
Well that wasn’t the half anyone expected – they nearly finished the half with a third try, but couldn’t gather the kick and knocked the ball on. The task isn’t impossible from NSW from here, but they will need to step up their game by quite a lot in the second half. The Maroons are definitely enjoying the crowd support and perhaps after their incredible performance in Brisbane, the Blues underestimated the effect of a hostile crowd? They have looked shellshocked – much like the Maroons did in Game 1. There’s still plenty of rugby league left to be played tonight, but Queensland are certainly in the box seat.
34 mins: NSW give away another penalty and they look like they’re in trouble, but Manzelmann drops the ball to save them from more danger. They play with some good speed and ball work down the left wing, but Davis knocks the ball on in the play the ball and it’s yet another error.
32 mins: This has been a very forgettable half for NSW and will be hoping to get to half time without any further damage. They defend with plenty of heart after the try, but it’s their attack that has really been causing them problems.
GOAL! QLD 14-0 NSW
Brown adds two more points and it’s happy times for the Maroons.
TRY! QLD 12-0 NSW (Robinson, 29)
As soon as the Maroons get field position, they seem to find the try line. Tonegato has the opportunity to ground the ball, but she tries to get fancy and loses it and Robinson pounces on it to score.
28 mins: NSW lose the ball, but there’s a push in the tackle the referee doesn’t see. NSW uses their captain’s challenge and Rapana is penalised for the push and NSW get the ball back. The Maroons give away another penalty in the tackle straight away, but they put huge defence on Sergis on the first tackle and drag her into touch over the sideline.
26 mins: A penalty for Rapana being offside gives NSW the ball 10m out, but another error from Kemp with a drop on a simple pass gives the ball straight back to Queensland. They need to find some focus – the Maroons haven’t been down the Blues end in some time, but they look steadier and unbothered by the NSW possession. Aiken attempts a 40/30 but the ball stops dead next to the sideline.
24 mins: An offload from Kemp for the Blues sets up another good attacking set, but when Kemp gets the ball back she loses it in the tackle and the Maroons get the ball back. NSW have now managed to get a decent amount of possession and field position, but they need to capitalise and get points on the board. They force another error from Queensland – is this their opportunity?
22 mins: Pearson finishes the set with a perfectly weighted and timed kick that dribbles out over the sideline. NSW sets up a strong defence and they force a mistake from Weale who drops the ball in the tackle.
20 mins: NSW can’t take advantage of that penalty however, but they drop the ball early in the set and it’s ruled a knock on. Queensland get the scrum feed and NSW will need to work hard to keep them down in their own territory. Elliston has a great hit up and the Maroons follow it up with yet another early kick, which NSW manage to pick up and power down the field.
18 mins: That was the best set NSW has had so far tonight. It looks like there should be a penalty for offside by Queensland but the ref doesn’t agree and NSW just gets the scrum feed for a Maroons knock on. It’s another good set from NSW and late in the tackle count, Rapana hits Apps high and NSW get a penalty.
16 mins: Another set for Queensland and they start very strongly. Aiken puts in a kick on the first tackle for Upton, who very nearly picks it up and scores, but Tonegato pounces on it and then forces a penalty to get NSW in better field position.
14 mins: It’s all been Queensland so far – they have some nice, quick ball movement, but shift it a little too quickly and the ball goes into touch over the sideline. NSW try to build some momentum as they power down the field. Clydsdale has a strong hit up and gets her arms free for the offload, which sets up a great looking set, but a forward pass stops them in their tracks.
12 mins: Queensland make another move to the line and there’s a great line break from Aiken, but NSW manage to shut her down. Johnston makes a huge tackle to stamp her authority on the set, before Aiken puts in a great grubber kick, which Chapman collects, but she can’t get out of the in goal and it’s another line drop out.
10 mins: NSW have not looked confident so far and they need to regroup very quickly if they’re going to have a shot in this match. Queensland appear to make things a bit easier by losing the ball in the tackle, but they challenge the decision and everything is coming up Queensland – it’s ruled that Apps has stripped the ball and knocked on.
PENALTY GOAL! QLD 8-0
The Maroons opt to take the two and Brown makes no mistake from right in front.
8 mins: Now it’s the Maroons in good attacking position, this has been a real end-to-end game so far. Brigginshaw puts in a great kick at the end of the set and the chasers drag Penitani back into the in goal and force a line drop out. NSW compounds the repeat set by kicking it out on the full and Queensland get a penalty 10m out.
6 mins: Good field position for NSW and they look to capitalise straight away. A beautifully weighted kick from Baxter sits up in the in goal and Upton has to play it at and knock it into touch in goal, so NSW get the repeat set. But Tonegato throws a terrible pass that Queensland intercept and then NSW give away a penalty.
4 mins: Strong defence from NSW right off the bat and they dash right up Queensland. Brigginshaw takes an early kick and it pays off, as Tonegato looks very tentative on the pick up and then loses the slippery ball in the tackle, which leads to that Queensland try. Now Queensland lose the ball in a tackle and NSW have a chance to attack.
GOAL! QLD 6-0 NSW
Brown adds the conversion and it’s the perfect start for the Maroons.
TRY! QLD 4-0 NSW (Pelite, 1)
Queensland capitalise on an error and score under the post to open the scoring very early in the match.
And we’re off! NSW have kicked off and the decider is underway.
The Welcome to Country and anthem have been completed and that rain is getting a little heavier – very much not a vibe. Kick off is imminent and let’s hope that scares the rain away.
The teams are entering the field – not a very warm reception for the Blues unsurprisingly, but Queensland’s entry almost blasts the (metaphorical) roof off. And I very much spoke too soon about the rain – it has started sprinkling, but hopefully that’s the extent of it!
The weather looks great up there – no signs of that awful rain from Game 2. It’s a delightful 23.7 degrees up in Townsville right now and it seems like it will stay dry throughout the game.
It's almost time ⏳#Origin pic.twitter.com/ejdIhlXTxx
— NRLW (@NRLWomens) June 27, 2024
That parochial Queensland crowd is going to be LOUD tonight! There have been some seriously impressive women’s Origin crowds this year and it’s making very excited for what we can expect in the NRLW.
THE DECIDER IS SOLD OUT! 🔥
— NRLW (@NRLWomens) June 27, 2024
Tune in tonight on @Channel9 and @9Now at 7:45PM to watch the battle unfold! pic.twitter.com/vo4gkSyVUh
If you’re still feeling a little out of the loop and unsure what to expect tonight, the ever-reliable Jack Snape has got you covered. Grab a snack and get caught up with his preview of this historic decider.
Not too many changes in those team lists from Game 2 – Queensland have made two changes, bringing in Chelsea Lenarduzzi and Sophie Holyman on to the bench for Destiny Brill and Sienna Lofipo, who were both ruled out through injury. NSW have made only one change, with Jakiya Whitfield named as the reserve for Kirra Dibb.
Team List: NSW
1. Emma Tonegato
2. Jaime Chapman
3. Jessica Sergis
4. Isabelle Kelly
5. Tiana Penitani
6. Corban Baxter
7. Rachael Pearson
8. Millie Elliott
9. Olivia Higgins
10. Caitlan Johnston-Green
11. Kezie Apps
12. Yasmin Clydsdale
13. Olivia Kernick
Interchange
14. Taliah Fuimaono
15. Keeley Davis
16. Grace Kemp
17. Sarah Togatuki
Reserve
18. Jakiya Whitfield
Team List: Queensland
1. Tamika Upton
2. Julia Robinson
3. Shenae Ciesiolka
4. Evania Pelite
5. Emmanita Paki
6. Tarryn Aiken
7. Ali Brigginshaw
8. Shannon Mato
9. Lauren Brown
10. Jessika Elliston
11. Tazmin Rapana
12. Romy Teitzel
13. Keilee Joseph
Interchange
14. Emma Manzelmann
15. Makenzie Weale
16. Sophie Holyman
17. Chelsea Lenarduzzi
Reserve
18. Zahara Temara
Premable
Good evening everyone! Well, how lucky are we – State of Origin two nights in a row? That’s the kind of rugby league heaven we could only have dreamed of in years gone past. Tonight is even bigger than last night because we’re at the decider of the first ever three-game women’s State of Origin series. Never fear, there will be no panicked maths taking place tonight. The equation is the simplest one imaginable – the winner takes home the shield and the loser scuttles back to their lair to plan for next year.
If you cast your minds all the way back to game one in Brisbane, you’ll remember NSW came out absolutely firing – much like the NSW men’s team did last night. They were an unstoppable force and Queensland were far from an immovable object. So there was plenty of optimism going into game two in Newcastle – a stronghold of NSW rugby league. But this game was closer and tougher in torrential rain and it came down to the finals seconds, when Queensland’s Lauren Brown held her nerve to slot a field goal and seal the win for the Maroons.
This leads us to tonight – up in Townsville, which will be an extremely parochial Queensland crowd. That may work in the Maroons’ favour, but if you’ve been paying attention you will have noticed that of the five State of Origin games (women’s and men’s) played in 2024, exactly zero have been won by the home team. And yes, I am counting Melbourne as a Queensland home game – you’ve met Victorians, you know they would rather surrender every black item in their wardrobe than cheer for NSW.
So, will tonight be the night that breaks the trend? Or can NSW pull out that game one form and take the series win? A tantalising game is brewing and it won’t be long until we find out. So strap in and let’s rugby league!
