Blues Break Maroons Hearts Again to Seal Women’s Origin Series in Brisbane
The rivalry delivered another instant classic at Suncorp Stadium and once again it was the New South Wales Blues who held their nerve when everything was on the line. In a dramatic, bruising, rain-soaked battle, NSW defeated Queensland 14-10 to secure back-to-back Women’s State of Origin series victories, surviving a frantic final minute that left the entire stadium stunned.
From the opening whistle, the intensity was unmistakable. The Blues struck early through Jaime Chapman, who crossed in the corner after relentless pressure near the Maroons’ line. The conversion drifted wide, but NSW had made their statement — they had arrived in Brisbane ready for war.
Queensland struggled initially with field position and handling errors, while Jesse Southwell controlled the game brilliantly with her kicking. The Blues continued to dominate territory and eventually Keeley Nizza darted over from dummy-half to extend the lead to 8-0.
But State of Origin momentum changes fast.
The Maroons finally found life when captain Tamika Upton exploded down the sideline with a massive line break that electrified the crowd. Moments later, Rory Owen crashed over to put Queensland on the board and suddenly the contest was alive again at halftime with NSW leading only 8-6.
Queensland carried that energy into the second half. After a penalty deep in attacking territory, Julia Robinson and Upton combined to create space before Sienna Lofipo Ferguson dived over for a crucial try. When the conversion missed, the Maroons still edged ahead 10-8 and Suncorp Stadium erupted believing a decider was on the way.
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But champions respond under pressure.
Southwell once again became the architect for NSW. Her sharp passing created an opening for Jessica Sergis, who sliced through the defence to score in the corner. Then came perhaps the defining moment of the night — Southwell calmly drilling a difficult sideline conversion through heavy rain to push the Blues ahead 14-10.
What followed was pure Origin chaos.
Queensland launched wave after wave of attack in the closing minutes. Upton threatened repeatedly, the Maroons forced errors and the crowd sensed a miracle finish. Then, on the final play, it looked as though Jasmine Peters had scored in the corner to level the game.
For a few seconds, Queensland believed they had done it.
But the bunker review showed an incredible try-saving effort from Teagan Berry, who managed to drag Peters into touch by the smallest of margins. Instead of a potential match-winning conversion for Queensland, it became heartbreak for the Maroons and celebration for the Blues.
Southwell was deservedly named Player of the Match after a commanding all-round display built on composure, defence and game management. Her influence was enormous throughout the contest and her leadership in hostile territory proved decisive.
The result also underlines the growing dominance and confidence of NSW women’s rugby league. Queensland fought courageously and never stopped attacking, but once again the Blues found a way to win the moments that mattered most.
Now attention turns to Game 3. The series may already belong to NSW, but pride is still very much on the line. The Blues will chase a clean sweep, while Queensland will desperately want to avoid ending the campaign empty-handed in front of their passionate supporters.
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