Queensland dominate historic women’s Origin decider as Dami Im steals the show

Queensland have dominated the first ever women’s State of Origin decider to win the shield, while an Aussie icon’s anthem rendition stole the show.

The first ever women's State of Origin decider didn't disappoint.

Queensland have smashed NSW 22-6 to win the first ever three-game women’s State of Origin series.

After farcical scenes last year saw Queensland raise the shield despite losing the second game, calls were answered for the series to be extended to accommodate a decider.

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It was all Queensland on a rainy night in Townsville — the Maroons dominated defensively, while Tarryn Aiken and Ali Brigginshaw put on a playmaking clinic as they opened up an early lead to lead 14-0 at halftime.

In contrast, the Blues looked rudderless in attack and struggled to complete sets in the first half, coughing up the ball and making frequent errors.

A trademark intercept runaway try to Jaime Chapman was the only highlight on a dirty night for the Blues.

Ali Brigginshaw celebrates Queensland’s big win. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Jaime Chapman and Jessica Sergis look on after the Game 3 defeat. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Queensland centre Evania Pelite scored the first try of the game and was named player of the match as the Maroons claimed bragging rights for the fourth time in five years.

The decider was dominated by Queensland after they won Game 2 in Newcastle 11-10 to level the series.

NSW had no answer for the wet weather in Townsville.

The Sky Blues need a revamp. Can’t rely on dry tracks to win games. Attack was in slow motion and no one willing to drive team forward. The post-match reaction after Game 2 was a concern. Queensland miles ahead between the ears. #Origin

— Alicia Newton (@anewts91) June 27, 2024

Phil Gould said on Nine: “It is an incredible turnaround, halfway through the second half in the game in Newcastle NSW are leading 10-4 in the monsoon and the engraver was warming up to get NSW on the shield, to engrave ‘NSW’ on the shield.

“It looked over. Queensland found a way to win that game and it’s now 16-0 here - the engraver is starting to get itchy fingers again.”

The Maroons got off to an absolute flyer. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

9.17pm - It’s all over

Queensland have sealed victory with a try to Tazmin Rapana, making it an emphatic 22-6 win.

9.05pm - Jaime Chapman does it again

NSW flyer Jaime Chapman has scored another runaway, adding to her highlight reel albeit in a heavy loss.

Chapman came out of her defensive live, plucked an intercept, fended off Queensland fullback Tamika Upton and ran 80 metres to finally get the Blues on the board.

It was the try of the game, but too little too late.

8.53pm - Maroons extend lead

A penalty goal early in the second half has extended Queensland’s lead to 16-0, while NSW just can’t get anything going in attack.

“I don’t see a dominant voice. I don’t see anyone in attack, pointing the finger, telling everywhere to go, what line to run, how to support.” dual international Allana Ferguson said in commentary.

“It seems like they’re going with the flow a little bit too much.”

Queensland five-eighth Tarryn Aiken is putting on a clinic, running well into the line and producing an excellent kicking game.

Tarryn Aiken put on a clinic. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

8.21pm - Qld score again

Queensland lead 14-0 thanks to a try to Julia Robinson on the back of some ferocious defence.

Evania Pelite tackled NSW’s Jess Sergis into touch to set up another surge forward.

“It could not be going better for Queensland,” Phil Gould said in commentary.

“To be honest, it could not be going worse for NSW. They’ve been their own worst enemy.

“Turnovers, dropped balls and panic plays the running over the sideline. Bass passes, intercepts. Can’t get into a rhythm at all.”

Gould quipped: “Deciders in Queensland, I’ve seen this movie before.”

7.58pm - Maroons off to a flyer

Queensland are up 8-0 after a blistering start in the opening 10 minutes.

NSW fullback Emma Tonegato fumbled the ball, and Evania Pelite scored moments later. A conversion and penalty goal extended the lead as the Maroons dominate the early stages with the bulk of possession.

Tonegato defused a charge from her opposite number Tamika Upton as Queensland pressed again.

7.45pm - Dami Im crushes it

Australian singer Dami Im sung the national anthem before the game in Townsville, and her traditional rendition was pitch perfect.

“A resounding rendition of the national anthem by Dami Im,” Nine commentator Peter Psaltis said.

One viewer wrote on X: “Fabulous rendition of the national anthem by Dami Im.”

Another said: “Dami Im killed it. Great job!.”

The League Unlimited account said: “Anthem sung beautifully in the pouring rain by Dami Im.”

Dami Im performs the national anthem. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

7.15pm - Captains call for earlier kick off

State of Origin games are beloved, but fans have long bemoaned the fact they begin fairly late for a midweek school night.

This game start at 7.45pm, while the men’s games start after 8pm. The captains of both states said they would like the kick-off to be earlier around 6pm.

“Some of the latest games that I’ve ever played have been Origin so I would love to play an earlier game,” Queensland skipper Ali Brigginshaw said.

“I have young kids and it’s a struggle for them to stay up and watch the game. I grew up watching the footy and I remember needing a day off the next day because I was so cooked, so I would absolutely love to see an earlier kick-off.”

The Origin captains want the games to start earlier.

NSW co-captain Kezie Apps said: “It’s such a long day waiting until 7.45 at night – I’m usually in bed by 8.30, the grandma that I am.

“I feel like for families as well, it’s quite late for young kids to stay up and watch the game.”

NSW’s Isabelle Kelly added: “Prep-wise, I think as a player and an athlete it’s a bit easier when it’s a 6pm kick-off, but unfortunately that’s not what we’ve got right now.”

There are also calls for the women’s games to be extended to 80 minutes in line with their male counterparts.

Brigginshaw, Kelly, Apps and Tazmin Rapana will all play their 10th Origin game.

7.05pm Crowd record on the cards

The crowd record for a women’s State of Origin game could be broken again, with a sellout expected in Townsville.

A crowd of 25,492 turned up at Suncorp Stadium for Game 1 and 25,782 braved the pouring rain in Newcastle to set a new benchmark.