Blues Drench Maroons in Dominant Origin II Showdown
What a night it was at the Sydney Football Stadium as the Blues secured the Women's State of Origin series in sensational style, overcoming more than just the Maroons in Game II. With torrential rain turning the field into a muddy battlefield, NSW powered through every challenge—on the ground and on the scoreboard—to punish Queensland and claim a well-deserved series win.
The standout of the night? None other than Olivia Kernick. The Dally M medallist delivered an unforgettable performance, scoring two tries, assisting another, running 236 metres, making 35 tackles, and breaking 10 tackles—the same amount as the entire Maroons side combined. She bulldozed through defenders, most memorably fending off Tamika Upton with a textbook "don't argue" that will live long in Origin highlight reels. Kernick summed it up humbly post-game, calling it a proud moment after a gruelling training block, but her performance spoke volumes.
The rain was relentless, and the stadium’s condition quickly became a major talking point. Players sloshed through puddles, the field lines became invisible, and crowd numbers suffered, with only 16,000 braving the downpour—a stark drop from Brisbane’s record-breaking Game I turnout. Commentators and fans alike slammed the stadium’s drainage system, with Phil Gould going as far as calling the setup "a disgrace" and wondering why Sydney doesn’t yet have a roofed stadium.
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Adding to the drama, an early bunker decision shocked everyone. The Maroons were awarded a try that even their own players didn’t expect, leaving Kernick furious. Despite the questionable call, NSW refused to be rattled. They composed themselves and doubled down on their game plan.
Coach John Strange had his fair share to say too. He called out the lack of ruck penalties and was visibly frustrated post-game over what he described as unpunished crusher tackles—one of which left centre Jessica Sergis sidelined for the second half. It was a tough, physical match, but the Blues didn’t waver.
Defensively, NSW were impenetrable. They forced errors, pinned the Maroons deep, and capitalised on every slip. Simaima Taufa’s opening try came off the back of relentless forward pressure, setting the tone for what was to come. From there, it was one-way traffic.
Despite the boggy mess underfoot, the Blues turned adversity into an advantage. They adapted better, defended harder, and attacked smarter. The series now shifts to Newcastle for Game III on May 29, but the Blues have already sealed their redemption with this commanding win.
Queensland will no doubt come back fighting, but the message from Sydney was clear—this NSW side is tough, talented, and ready to sweep the series if given the chance.
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