Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
New South Wales dominated a blunder-prone Queensland outfit 32-12 in an engaging yet ultimately lopsided Women’s State of Origin curtain-raiser before a packed crowd at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday, thanks to standout efforts from three rookies.
The Game in Review
Triescorer Abbi Church showcased sharp skills at fullback, wing Jayme Fressard notched two tries on the left flank, and front-row forward Ellie Johnston chipped in with a pivotal try during the mid-stage of the second half, securing a commanding lead for the Blues in the three-game series.
Debutants Leave Their Mark
Johnston, a seasoned NRLW performer with Cronulla, expressed her desire to seize the opportunity at a higher level, highlighting the ease of her scoring moment.
“Em [Emma Verran] and I have excellent chemistry, and she knew I wanted the ball. I also noticed Queensland was short on their side, so I just went for it,” she stated.
Isabelle Kelly, the Blues’ captain, lavished praise on Johnston, calling her “incredible” and confirming her readiness for the Origin stage.
“After her NRLW season with the Sharks, I was certain she would excel in our campaign, and I was thrilled when she scored.”
Record Crowd Sets Tone
A turnout of 26,022 fans for Match One, part of the NRL’s Magic Round festivities, marked an attendance milestone for the series, outstripping last season’s game-two figure of 25,782.
Notwithstanding a mid-game lead reversal in the previous season’s second match, the Blues appeared unfazed on Thursday under rookie coach John Strange. Jesse Southwell’s comeback at halfback proved effective, both as a kicker and playmaker.
The Blues’ Dominance
However, it was the Blues’ formidable pack that laid the groundwork for their triumph on a crisp Brisbane night. Their advantage was augmented by Queensland’s frequent errors in the second half, with several ball missteps culminating in tries that sealed the contest.
The Turning Point
Wingers Jamie Chapman and Jayme Fressard orchestrated the pivotal moment of the second half. Chapman engineered an error from Queensland deep in their territory, allowing Fressard to dart over on the opposite wing for the game’s first second-half try.
Brilliant work by Johnston escalated their lead, as a forward pass from Queensland gifted possession to the Blues. Johnston, carrying two defenders, plowed over the try line and was soon mobbed by her joyous teammates.
Near the game’s end, Johnston executed another dashing run, one step away from extending Blues’ lead. However, Church capitalized on Johnston’s endeavors, crossing unopposed to conclude her radiant debut performance.
Maroons’ Struggles
Queensland captain Tamika Upton admitted her team’s struggle with errors. “We granted them ample possession, and we ultimately paid for it,” she remarked. “However, I’m proud of the girls’ defensive efforts, especially from the rookies, as it was a grinding battle in the middle of the park.” Debutante Rory Owen scored a late consolation try for the Maroons.
Keywords, Comment, and Conversation on the Court
New South Wales led 14-12 at halftime, with an exhilarating first half featuring five tries and numerous shifts in momentum. The Blues kicked off the scoring with center Jess Sergis’ try, one of their three first-half tallies.
The highlight came midway through the period when Church’s deft footwork created an opening on the left side. A stellar overhead catch and pass from Kelly sent Fressard across, narrowly beating the corner flag in front of ecstatic New South Wales supporters.
In an incident-filled half, New South Wales’ hooker Keeley Davis lodged an accusation of an eye gouge—referred to match officials—and another incident involved Tiana Penitani Gray notionally grabbing Upton’s hair.In the second stanza, however, these moments faded as the Blues secured a well-deserved triumph.