New South Wales defeated Queensland 11-6 in the Women's State of Origin opener at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, taking a 1-0 series lead. The Blues will now head north for the remaining two matches, both of which will be played in Queensland.
The match was played at a ferocious pace, with players describing it as the fastest game they had ever experienced. Despite losing two players to head injuries, including one who required a stretcher, the Maroons stayed in contention until the final whistle.
Key moments included Jessie Southwell's field goal to break a 6-6 deadlock, and a late try from Jessica Sergis, who snatched a risky pass and ran in to score. Southwell missed the conversion, but the Blues were already assured of victory. Queensland's Brill charged down an earlier field goal attempt, and Ferguson was millimetres short when diving for the line.
Isabelle Meakes was named player of the match, saying she was 'shocked' and that anyone on her team would have put their body on the line. Queensland's Tamika Upton praised her side's resilience, saying they would regroup and come back stronger. Millie Elliott, who played seven months after giving birth, had her baby Gigi brought onto the field for her post-match interview.
A crowd of 20,179 attended the match, which was played in great spirit, with more hugs than handshakes between players at the end. The series continues in Brisbane in two weeks as part of Magic Round.
