Source : the age
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NSW are on the road to State of Origin redemption, thrashing Queensland 32-12 in the women’s series opener to begin John Strange’s coaching tenure with a bang.
An eye-gouging allegation from NSW hooker Keeley Davis headlined an eventful first match since the Blues coughed up their 1-0 lead last year to lose the inaugural three-match series 2-1.
But to begin the second, the Blues cashed in on Strange’s call to overhaul his team and finished with their biggest-ever women’s Origin win on Thursday night.
New halfback Jesse Southwell’s control of her left edge was game-defining, while the four NSW debutants shone before a Suncorp Stadium crowd of 26,022 – the largest in women’s Origin history.
First-gamer Jayme Fressard scored twice down the left wing, Ellie Johnston scored the go-ahead try by pummelling through Maroons in the second half, before fullback Abbi Church sealed the result.
NSW will fancy their chances of clinching the Origin shield for the first time since 2022, given they host the final two matches of the series.
In a moment of high drama, Davis claimed she was eye-gouged just before Isabelle Kelly scored NSW’s second try, and lodged an official complaint with referee Belinda Sharpe.
Davis would not name the player she believed responsible.
Tiana Penitani Gray also risks the ire of the match review committee after pulling Tamika Upton’s hair as the Queensland fullback made a break late in the first half.
Jayme Fressard enjoyed a great night for NSW.Credit: Getty Images
Penitani Gray had limited chances to shine on her much-discussed move to five-eighth as the majority of traffic went through Southwell’s left edge.
After Jess Sergis scored the opener down the right within four minutes, halfback Southwell had a hand in the Blues’ next three tries.
In her first Origin game since 2023, Southwell combined seamlessly with new captain Kelly and second-rower Yasmin Clydsdale, with the former crashing over before Fressard’s double.
Prop forward Johnston put the Blues on the path to victory when she burrowed over with 20 minutes to play.
Fellow debutant Church confirmed the victory later in that set as Southwell threw the last pass.
The Maroons could be thankful the deficit was not larger with Southwell missing three conversion attempts.
One of eight Origin debutants across the two sides, Queensland’s Jasmine Peters suffered a game-ending head knock colliding with Sarah Togatuki just before the break.
But she is set to clear concussion protocols by the second game of the series in Sydney on May 15.
AAP
That’s the full-time siren at Suncorp Stadium, where NSW have run away with a 32-12 victory against Queensland.
It really was a one-sided second half, with the Blues completely dominating field possession to take control of the Origin opener and take a 1-0 lead in the series.
NSW win game one of the 2025 women’s State of Origin series.Credit: Getty Images
A fantastic night for John Strange in his first game as Blues head coach, with debutantes Ellie Johnston, Abbi Church and Jayme Fressard scoring – the latter bagging a double.
It’s a different story for Maroons coach Tahnee Norris, who has a few tough decisions to make ahead of Origin II at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on May 15.
And, let’s not forget about the drama of the night, with Keeley Davis accusing a Maroons player of an eye-gouge, and Tiana Penitani Gray being put on report for a hair pull on Tamika Upton.
Full-time: Blues 32, Maroons 12
The Blues debutantes are on fire tonight.
Another strong carry from Ellie Johnston puts the Blues right on the Maroons’ doorstep, before Jesse Southwell digs in and passes to Abbi Church who slices through the Queensland defence and scores on debut.
A great set from the NSW debutantes, and let’s not forget the double for Jayme Fressard tonight already.
Blues 32, Maroons 12 with four minutes to go
The pressure is starting to get to Queensland, with the Blues drawing another error from the home side.
This time it’s experienced winger Julie Robinson, who takes her eyes off the ball and puts it onto the turf.
The Blues get a scrum feed 30 metres out, and another opportunity to extend their lead.
Blues 26, Maroons 12 with six minutes to go
Ellie Johnston after scoring her try against Queensland.Credit: Getty Images
We have a penalty for the Blues right in front of the posts and they decide to add the two points.
Jesse Southwell slots it over with ease, and now it’s 14 points the difference.
Side note, we officially have a new women’s Origin crowd record, with 26,022 at Suncorp Stadium tonight.
Blues 26, Maroons 12 with 13 minutes to go
