That's all from me, I hope you enjoyed the match as much as I did. Congrats to the Blues and to Simaima Taufa, who is mighty. Cheers!
Women's State of Origin: Maddie Studdon leads the way as New South Wales retain Origin shield
A sparkling display from halfback Maddie Studdon has propelled New South Wales to a 14-4 victory over Queensland in the women's State of Origin.
NSW have claimed back-to-back State of Origin series wins after coming from behind to beat 14-4 Queensland at North Sydney Oval
The match was a tale of two halves.
The Queenslanders burst out of the blocks and dominated the Blues early on, overwhelming NSW in the opening half and denied them any real attacking opportunities. The Blues finished the first half without a single tackle in the opposition 20 metres.
But Blues coach Andrew Patmore must have delivered an almighty rev-up half-time speech because his side returned to the with a new found-energy to score 14 answered points.
BLUES GOAL LINE DEFENCE
After withstanding the Maroons for almost the entire first half, the Blues wall finally cracked in the 25th minute for Tazmin Gray.
A dummy and some impressive footwork from Gray left Blues centre Isabelle Kelly, who is no slouch in defence, clutching at thin air. But the steeliness returned late in the second half to withstand the Queensland’s in the dying stages.
NSW lock forward Hannah Southwell deserves special mention - she was fearless on the goal line, making crucial tackles in three plays, one of which was a trysaver.
LOST OPPORTUNITY FOUND
The Blues then botched their first try scoring opportunity. A nicely weighted kick from halfback Maddie Studdon sat up for winger Shakiah Tungai but she failed to ground the ball, instead bouncing it off the ground.
“She’s such a good finisher normally,” said Ruan Sims.
But with momentum shifting dramatically to the Blues in the second half, a perfectly executed play finally opening the scoring for NSW. A bullet like spiral pass from five-eighth Kirra Dibb found winger Jess Sergis to score.
BLUES HALVES SHINE
After orchestrating her sides first try, Dibb back up some skillfull ball playing with some pinpoint kicking. Dibb nailed a 40-30 to earn the Blues a repeat set which ended with a four-pointer and the lead for the first time in the match.
This time halfback Maddie Studdon spread the ball left and, this time, Shakiah Tungai was sure to ground the ball.
Studdon then dived over the tryline herself not longer after with a brilliant individual effort.
The playmaker's effort was rewarded with the Nellie Doherty medal for player of the match.
‘THEY CALL HER WINX’
Like their male counterparts, this year the female players had their stats measured by the Telstra Tracker, which captures things like intensity and speed.
The tracker threw up one incredibly impressive figure.
NSW winger Jess Sergis was measured to have hit a top speed of 29.5km, just three kilometres less than what Josh Addo-Carr was clocked doing during game one of this year’s Origin series.
“That’s why they call her Winx,” said Ruan Sims.
BRIGGANSHAW’S BRILLIANCE NOT ENOUGH
Queensland captain Ali Brigginshaw went down with an ankle injury during the team’s final training run and was in serious doubt.
She showed no sign of the injury that almost ruled her out. But it wouldn’t be the first time the Maroons have attempted to lull the Blues into a false sense of security.
“She’s a very intelligent player and one of the best game managers in either women’s or men’s rugby league. She also has a good sense of timing and she’s really dangerous. She’s a real student of the game,” said Phil Gould during Channel Nine’s commentary.
FANS VOTE WITH THEIR FEET
A bumper crowd 10,515 fans packed North Sydney Oval to the rafters.
This year’s crowd was a significant increase of just under 7000 for last year’s inaugural clash. The appetite for elite women’s rugby league is clear. Women’s State of Origin is quickly becoming the showpiece event in the women’s game.
New South Wales 14 (J.Sergis, S. Tungai, M.Studdon tries, K.Dibb goal) def. Queensland 4 (T. Gray try) at North Sydney Oval. Crowd: 10,515
Updates
Signing off
PLAYER OF THE MATCH - Maddie Studdon
Simaima Taufa was my player of the match, the Blues frontrower worked tirelessly in the middle, playing the full 60. But Studdon gets the prize (as halfbacks always seem to!) after she set up the go-ahead try and scored one herself.
FULLTIME: NSW 14 QLD 4
A good come-from-behind victory to the Blues, they really turned it around after halftime
Another forward pass from Brigginshaw, who's had an unhappy night, and that should just about do us. Ninety seconds left.
55th minute: NSW 14 QLD 4
Brigginshaw very nearly puts Brander over the line but McGregor takes her down just short. Next play Brigginshaw throws a forward pass and the Blues are looking like they might have enough to get home.
Stowers drops the kick off, Queensland will have a chance to hit straight back.
50th minute: NSW 14 QLD 4
Studdon again, she has a big backline set but she straightens up and beats Elliston with some neat footwork to score right next to the posts.
The Blues halves have really taken control since halftime. Dibb converts and it's looking very tough for Queensland now.
Queensland send a kick out on the full, Hoepper was pressured by Apps. It really feels like the game is getting away from Queensland as Ward is carried off the field.
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