Queensland Spoils Blues’ Whitewash Dreams with Thrilling Game 3 Victory
What a night it was in Newcastle! The final chapter of the 2025 Women’s State of Origin series was anything but a dead rubber. Queensland came out fighting to avoid the dreaded clean sweep, and they did just that—snatching a gritty 18-14 win over the New South Wales Blues in front of a passionate crowd.
Now, let’s set the stage. The Blues had already secured the series with wins in Brisbane and Sydney. Coming into Game 3, they were on the verge of making history with a 3-0 series whitewash—the first ever in women’s Origin history. But Queensland, playing purely for pride, had other ideas.
It was a night of high emotion and dramatic swings. NSW looked in control midway through the second half. Jocelyn Kelleher, one of the Blues' debutantes, broke the deadlock with a clever dummy-half try. Then Romy Teitzel struck back for Queensland, capitalising on a pinpoint grubber kick from Tarryn Aiken. Suddenly, the game was alive again.
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But the real heartbreak for NSW came when Chelsea Lenarduzzi bulldozed her way over the line with just minutes to go, giving the Maroons the lead. In the dying seconds, NSW were handed a lifeline after Lenarduzzi was sent to the bin for a professional foul. One final chance, one last roll of the dice. But Queensland held firm.
Skipper Ali Brigginshaw, at 35 years of age, stood tall in what could have been her final game in Maroon. She proved once again why she’s been a pillar of women’s rugby league for over a decade. “I still love my footy,” she said. “People talk about age, but if I get picked, I’ll give everything for this jersey.”
On the other side, it was pure heartbreak for NSW captain Isabelle Kelly. A disallowed try—ruled no grounding—left her emotional at the post-match press conference. “I feel like I let my team down,” she admitted through tears. But coach John Strange stepped in with powerful words: “That’s why she’s our captain. She’s an inspiration to all of us.”
Adding to the night’s emotion was Sarah Togatuki, who played just days after the death of her sister. Her courage to even take the field left her teammates in awe, despite a head knock that forced her off early.
Despite the loss, NSW still lifted the shield. They won the series. But make no mistake—Queensland’s win in Game 3 made a statement. They’re not going quietly into the night. The 2025 Origin series ends with the Blues as champions, but it was Queensland who reminded everyone why this rivalry remains one of the fiercest in sport.
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