Women’s State of Origin Game I player ratings: Who starred and who flopped?
Eye-gouge allegation, accidental hair pulls, big hits and HIAs across the field - the Blues tamed the madness and the Maroons to win State of Origin I. WE RATE EVERY PLAYER
Blues
Don't miss out on the headlines from Blues. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Eye-gouge allegation, accidental hair pulls, big hits and HIAs across the field - the opening game of the women’s State of Origin had absolutely everything.
But it was NSW who tamed the madness to take an important lead going into Game II.
Who starred and who flopped at Suncorp Stadium? See our ratings and have your say below.
GAME 1 PLAYER RATINGS
QUEENSLAND MAROONS
1. TAMIKA UPTON: 7
Kept quieter than her usual self in attack but wasn’t given much space, and still managed some try-saving moments in defence.
2. JULIA ROBINSON: 6
The aggressive winger had her hands full containing Jaime Chapman but found some space through the middle on kick returns.
3. SHENAE CIESIOLKA: 5.5
Shifted out to the wing in the second half and held on for dear life with the NSW left edge running riot.
4. RORY OWEN: 6
Had some wobbly moments, but looked at home at this level. Somehow making a habit of scoring on debut at Suncorp Stadium.
5. JASMINE PETERS: 3
Rough old debut for the Cowboys winger, ruled out at halftime with a head injury.
6. TARRYN AIKEN: 6.5
Schemed and probed to give Queensland a chance. Always stands up in big games but wasn’t given enough time or space to execute.
7. ALI BRIGGINSHAW: 4.5
Not the best performance from the veteran Maroons skipper who was kept quiet by the ruthless Blues defence.
8. KEILEE JOSEPH: 6
Worked hard for 30 tackles and 81 metres but was dominated upfront by the NSW pack.
9. LAUREN BROWN: 6
A clutch player by reputation, but her energy was chewed up in defence in the middle.
10. JESSIKA ELLISTON: 5
Made 19 tackles without a miss but Queensland needed more go-forward from their starting prop.
11 SIENNA LOFIPO 6.5
A high energy game from the Titans forward, who made a game-high 35 tackles and a try as a reward.
12. ROMY TEITZEL: 7
The Broncos second rower had another big game in Maroon but was almost a lone hand against a dominant NSW pack.
13. DESTINY BRILL: 5
Had just three runs for 31 metres in a half-hour stint in the middle.
INTERCHANGE
14. JADA FERGUSON: 4.5
Came on with some energy from the bench in her State of Origin debut but had to use it all tackling.
15. SOPHIE HOLYMAN: 5.5
One of the busiest of the Queensland forwards in a night where they needed it most.
16. MAKENZIE WEALE: 5
The aggressive young forward tried hard to create an impact in her 32 minutes from the bench.
17. TAVARNA PAPALII: 5
Showed bravery on debut against a rampaging NSW pack, but was stopped short after copping a head knock.
NSW BLUES
1. ABBI CHURCH: 8
Made an error under the high ball for Queensland’s first try but an otherwise brave and energetic debut for the tryscorer.
2. JAIME CHAPMAN: 7
The Ferrari was kept idling in attack, but in defence she made life hard for the best winger in Australia.
3. JESSICA SERGIS: 8
Aggressive performance as per usual from one of the game’s most experienced weapons.
4. ISABELLE KELLY: 9
A captain’s knock from the Blues skipper, who was typically one of the best on the field. Somehow her skills keep getting better.
5. JAYME FRESSARD: 7.5
A special game for The Central Coast-born Roosters winger, a double on debut and a win to cap off a dream night.
6. TIANA PENITANI GRAY: 8
In her first game at five-eighth for the Blues, the Cronulla skipper played her role perfectly. Tackled hard, kept the ball moving.
7. JESSE SOUTHWELL: 9
Her night. The 20-year-old was dropped for the corresponding game last year but returned to the Origin arena and made it her own.
8. SIMAIMA TAUFA: 9
The inspirational Canberra captain clocked up the most running metres of any player on the field (131) as is her trademark.
9. KEELEY DAVIS: 7.5
Her deft touch at dummy half kept the heat on Queensland in the early stages of the game, and she turned up another notch to close out the win.
10. ELLIE JOHNSTON: 9
You wouldn’t guess she made her start in a no contact sport. The former netballer is made for Origin.
11. KEZIE APPS: 8.5
Another high energy, high effort game from the NSW mainstay, who kept the Queensland defence in disarray.
12. YASMIN CLYDESDALE: 8.5
The Knights second-rower thrives on the big stage and never takes a backwards step. Aggravated the Maroons to no end.
13. OLIVIA KERNICK: 9
An absolute weapon at lock a this level. The reigning Dally M Medallist terrorised the Queensland pack.
14. JOCELYN KELLEHER: 5
Got on the field at the back end of the game and added energy to the attack just when the Blues were gearing up.
15. KENNEDY CHERRINGTON: 7
Brought instant energy from the bench, and a proud return to Origin level for the first time since 2023.
16. SARAH TOGATUKI: 5
Added some starch upfront in the role she has owned for the Blues across the past few years.
17. EMMA VERRAN: 6
Inspired choice as a utility from the bench. Chipped in at dummy half with some crisp passing.
Originally published as Women’s State of Origin Game I player ratings: Who starred and who flopped?
Join the conversation
Watch: Alleged Maroons eye-gouger revealed?
The opening women’s State of Origin clash has been rocked by an eye gouge allegation at Suncorp Stadium, with Blues captain Isabelle Kelly lodging the official complaint with the on-field referee.
Read more
Ugly allegation rocks Origin game one
The opening match of this year’s Women’s State of Origin showdown has been rocked by a shock accusation in Brisbane.
Read more