‘That’s a miracle’: Unthinkable Women’s Origin scenes stun footy world
History has once again been made in Newcastle with the Women’s State of Origin heading to a decider after the most absurd of finishes.
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Against all odds, Queensland have forced a decider in the first three-match Women’s State of Origin series in a heart-stopping 11-10 victory on a historic night for rugby league.
Playing at a sold out McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, the fans braved the rain in tremendous scenes.
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On Saturday, the NRL announced the match at the 33,000 capacity stadium was a sell out, following up the record crowd from game one, which saw 25,492 fans at Suncorp Stadium.
Despite the horrendous conditions, the fixture set a new Women’s Origin record for the fourth straight match with an official attendance of 25,782.
But not only was the crowd part of history, they were treated to a match that lived up to its historic billing as it went right down to the wire.
After going to the break with NSW leading 6-0, the sides traded tries in a chaotic seven-minute burst which saw the Maroons draw level with seven minutes left.
A mistake from NSW’s Caitlan Johnson gave Queensland the field position but with the ground covered in water, it was always going to be tough to boot a field goal.
However, Maroons hooker Lauren Brown nailed her attempt, sealing the famous victory in tremendous scenes.
The Channel 9 commentators were blown away.
“What a moment – with all the pressure in the world on her shoulders, she slots it,” Allana Ferguson said.
Phil Gould added: “Origin continues to deliver miracles.
“Can you believe that? They haven’t looked like winners all night. That’s not a field goal, that’s a miracle. They have gritted their teeth and grinded away and never give up.
“Their Queensland spirit shines through.”
The result sends the first three-match Women’s State of Origin series to a decider at Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium on June 27.
Before the match, there were rightly questions whether the Newcastle crowd would turn out on Thursday night considering the awful weather.
But the Novocastrians turned out in force, breaking the crowd record with brilliant scenes before the match.
In front of a packed out grandstand, the commentators were blown away.
Nine commentator Peter Psaltis said: “Wonderful scenes.
“What a great night for the game.”
Gould was equally blown away.
“Just have a look at the crowd — this is wonderful,” he said.
“Congratulations to Newcastle. Not only selling out the ground but turning up in this weather to support the girls.
“Women’s rugby league forever on the rise but is culminating in this three-game Origin series for the first time in women’s rugby league history.
“Well done, Newcastle. Congratulations. Thanks for supporting the women’s game.”
“It’s absolutely sensational the atmosphere,” Psaltis agreed.
Commentator and former Jillaroo Allana Ferguson was equally astounded, saying: “How about the crowd?”
Social media was loving what it saw.
Freelance reporter Curtis Woodward posted: “Legitimate, 30k sold-out Newcastle stadium in the pissing rain for #Origin tonight. The gap between NRLW and AFLW has never been bigger.”
SEN producer Nathan Brookes commented: “Per capita, Newcastle, NSW has got to be the sporting capital of Australia. Some turnout by the Novocastrians.”
ABC’s Brett Sprigg wrote: “Hats off to Newcastle for this amazing crowd but maybe the next step for women’s #Origin is packing out the Sydney Football Stadium (42k)? Modern / ideal venue for a return to the city next year.”
SBS’ Adrian Arciuli said: “25 thousand in horrendous conditions is a fitting crowd for a classic #Origin contest – well done Newcastle and let’s hope this rates through the roof because this has been enthralling from the opening whistle!”
Another fan said: “It’s the grandstand finish this wet Newcastle crowd deserves. Go Maroons!!!”
9.21pm — Queensland hit the lead
Lauren Brown has kicked an incredible field goal to give the Maroons an 11-10 lead.
The Sky Blues have dominated the match but somehow the Queenslanders have done the unthinkable yet again.
“That’s not a field goal, that’s a miracle,” Phil Gould said. “They have never looked like the winning team at any stage tonight.”
“Can you believe it?” Peter Psaltis said.
9.14pm — Chaotic finish as Queensland respond
The match has suddenly opened right up with Queensland scoring in a brilliant solo effort from Maroons five-eighth Tarryn Aiken, who stepped off her right foot and straight through the Sky Blues’ line.
It was set up after the Maroons kicked the ball low and over the sideline from the kick-off after the Penitani try.
It’s 10-all with seven minutes left — just a reminder there is golden point in women’s State of Origin.
9.10pm — NSW hit right back
The Sky Blues are closing in on a series win in the first three-match Women’s State of Origin series after Tiana Penitani scored in the corner.
The try was set up after Jessica Sergis stole the ball in a brilliant move, despite cramping.
The Sky Blues then spread the ball wide with Penitani slamming it down in the corner.
But a slip from goalkicker Rachael Pearson saw the door left ajar for the Maroons.
9.04pm — Queensland finally hit back
There’s a reason the Maroons brought Ally Brigginshaw back into the No. 7 jersey.
The Queensland captain has hit centre Shenae Ciesiolka with a crisp cut out pass that put the Maroons on the scoreboard.
But Lauren Brown couldn’t even up the scores.
It’s 6-4 in the 56th minute and it’s anyone’s game.
“It’s Origin at its best,” Phil Gould said in Channel 9 commentary.
And despite the horrific weather, it is a new record crowd with 25,782 fans turning out for the match — no doubt lower as it’s been absolutely bucketing down all match.
INCREDIBLE!
— HER WAY (@abbieherway) June 6, 2024
In awful conditions, we have a record State of Origin record crowd for the fourth straight match!#originpic.twitter.com/KgE5eOPBer
Despite the conditions, Newcastle has set a new women’s origin crowd record.
— Adam Murray (@Adam_Murray97) June 6, 2024
25,782 fans in the pouring rain.@NRLonNine#WomensOriginpic.twitter.com/IY6fnFxVqu
8.30pm — Blues lead at the break
While it’s a historic crowd in Newcastle braving the weather, it’s been tough going for both sides.
In the opening 35 minutes, a try from Keeley Davis burrowing over from dummy half is the only try of the match so far.
The Blues lead 6-0 at halftime in a match the Maroons need to win to keep the series alive.
Queensland almost replied but NSW denied them with a strong scramble.
Despite the low scoring, Phil Gould said: “The quality of the game is so good – the crowd are loving it.”
It wasn’t all good for the Blues however with centre Jessica Sergis bent back after a high shot from Keilee Joseph.
Sergis stayed down for medical treatment and limped away from the incident.
“That left leg got caught underneath – it was more of a problem than the high tackle,” Gould said.
“She hurt her leg, she never got hit in the head.”
However, she had to go for a head injury assessment.
7.50pm — Rugby league blown away by ‘sensational’ sight
Even torrential rain couldn’t discourage Newcastle from turning out for what could be a historic night of women’s rugby league.
The all-time women’s State of Origin record was smashed in game one at Suncorp Stadium but Newcastle sold this match out five days ago.
However, there were fears the crowd may not be as impressive as hoped for in the 33,000 McDonald Jones Stadium due to the weather.
But the fears have proven unfounded in brilliant scenes before kick-off.
Nine commentator Peter Psaltis said: “Wonderful scenes.
“What a great night for the game.”
Phil Gould was equally blown away.
“Just have a look at the crowd — this is wonderful,” Gould said.
“Congratulations to Newcastle. Not only selling out the ground but turning up in this weather to support the girls.
“Women’s rugby league forever on the rise but is culminating in this three-game Origin series for the first time in women’s rugby league history.
“Well done, Newcastle. Congratulations. Thanks for supporting the women’s game.”
“It’s absolutely sensational the atmosphere,” Psaltis agreed.
Newcastle people are amazing. This rain is very heavy and the crowd continues to pour (no pun intended) in #originpic.twitter.com/1hRCGfVHvY
— HER WAY (@abbieherway) June 6, 2024
7.30pm — Maroons ring in changes for must-win clash
NSW | 1. Emma Tonegato, 2. Jaime Chapman, 3. Jess Sergis, 4. Isabelle Kelly, 5. Tiana Penitani, 6. Corban Baxter, 7. Rachael Pearson, 8. Millie Elliott, 9. Olivia Higgins, 10. Caitlan Johnston, 11. Kezie Apps, 12. Yasmin Clysdale, 15. Olivia Kernick
Interchange: 13. Keely Davis, 14. Tahlia Fuimaono, 16. Grace Kemp, 17. Sarah Togatuki,
18th: 19. Kirra Dibb
Coach: Kylie Hilder
QLD | 1. Tamika Upton, 2. Julia Robinson, 3. Shenae Ciesiolka, 5. Evan Pelite, 17. Emmanita Paki 6. Tarryn Aiken, 7. Ali Brigginshaw, 8. Shannon Mato, 4. Lauren Brown, 10. Jessika Elliston, 11. Tazmin Rapana, 12. Romy Teitzel, 13. Sienna Lofipo,
Interchange: 9. Destiny Brill, 14. Emma Manzelmann, 15. Makenzie Weale, 19. Keilee Joseph
18th: 18. Zehara Tamara
Coach: Tahnee Norris
6.30pm — Maroons star axed for historic clash
Queensland are going all out to force the 2024 Women’s State of Origin series into a decider for the first time, axing vice-captain and halfback Zehara Temara.
Temara was named at halfback for game one but has been replaced by Maroons legend Ally Brigginshaw in the No. 7 jersey.
Brigginshaw was in the Maroons team in game one but as lock, where she has played a majority of her Origin matches, but she represents the Jillaroos at halfback.
Temara has generally played halfback when representing Queensland and it was assumed she’d be safe as the vice-captain of the side.
But she’s been named the 18th player with Maroons assistant Nathan Cross saying Temara still had a role to play.
“Zehara rolls out of the 17, and let’s be honest, as 18th player tonight, she’s still our vice-captain (and) a very important member of the team,” he said.
Cross added that the Maroons lacked Brigginshaw’s “experience on that right edge” in game one, having taken on the No. 13 “for the team”.
Women’s rugby league legend Tarsha Gale said Brigginshaw’s move was “the move Queensland had to make”.
“I think they lacked a bit of direction and Ally Brigginshaw will immediately straighten up her team and provide attacking options,” Gale said.
“She’s arguably the best halfback in the world. Having her there as halfback for Queensland will open up attacking opportunities.”
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