Maroons eye-gouging allegation rocks Women’s 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.

A formal complaint was lodged for an eye gouge in a dramatic moment during the Blues’ 32-12 victory over Queensland in game one of the Women’s State of Origin clash on Thursday night.

The first game in the highly anticipated rugby league grudge match took place at Suncorp Stadium, with the Maroons chasing a third straight series win.

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In a high quality match in front of a record 26,022 fans to commence Magic Round in Brisbane, the Blues took a 14-12 lead into halftime, but not before a contentious moment right before Isabelle Kelly’s try in the 15th minute.

Blues hooker Keeley Davis was allegedly the victim of an eye gouge, with NSW skipper Kelly lodging an official complaint with referee Belinda Sharpe, who put the incident on report.

Isabelle Kelly scores a try for the Blues during game one. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Maroons second-rower Romy Teitzel was apparently the player placed on report and Phil Gould mentioned the incident during the broadcast on Channel 9.

“A little bit of drama following that try,” Gould said.

“I think there’s been an official complaint from one of the Blues players alleging something of an eye gouge back in play.

“They haven’t called the player out that’s been accused, but referee Belinda Sharpe has put it on report.

“The Blues player was asked several times if she wanted to go on with it and she was quite determined.”

It was another physical contest between the two states. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

In a physical match to start the three-game series, there was also a penalty for hair pulling and a glut of quality tries.

The visitors crossed the line three times to Queensland’s two to hold a two-point edge at the break in a tight first half.

NSW then put its foot down after the restart, piling on three more tries to break the game open.

In the end the Blues dictated terms to record a 20-point lead and take an early series lead.

“They’ve totally dominated this second stanza,” Gould said of the Blues midway through the second half.

“NSW has never won an Origin series and winning this first game would be a long step towards that.”

A formal complaint was lodged with referee Belinda Sharpe. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

The series began back in 1999 and has been dominated by the Maroons, winning 16 consecutive years in a row from its inception, which were mostly one-off games.

Two games were held in 2004 and 2008, both won by Queensland, with the series moving to three fixtures for the first time last year.

The Blues took the honours from 2016-2019 in one-off games, but has yet to win a series held over more than one fixture, going down 2-1 last year.

“Last year NSW won game one as well Gus. We’ll be back,” Maroons great Darren Lockyer fired back.

Game two is at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium on May 15, with the final match in Newcastle on May 29.

Originally published as Maroons eye-gouging allegation rocks Women’s Origin game one