Queensland win series with emphatic 22-6 victory in decider

When Sky Blues coach Kylie Hilder was interviewed at half-time in the women’s Origin decider, she said her team couldn’t have played any worse in the opening half.

But what ensued in the final 35 minutes was a mountain of errors and poor decisions from a frustrated Sky Blues side, that resulted in a 22-6 victory for the Maroons and a series loss for NSW.

The Sky Blues lacked momentum and execution all night.Credit: Getty Images

After the game, Hilder said Queensland deserved to win after the performance they put up on Thursday night.

“Queensland were a much better team than us tonight, that’s what I put it down to,” Hilder said. “They [NSW] were trying hard, but we were just making silly mistakes [and] I know this team’s better than what they just presented.”

Not even a 90-metre intercept try from Jaime Chapman in the 58th minute could save NSW, who let the wet weather and scoreboard get the better of them.

With 90 seconds to go, NSW gave a penalty away for being offside on the kick-off. It was a foolish mistake that summed up their 70 minutes of football. By the time referee Belinda Sharpe blew the full-time whistle, NSW had racked up 17 errors and their completion rate was at a measly 61 per cent.

The Maroons celebrate their series win.Credit: Getty Images

Sky Blues co-captain Isabelle Kelly said their execution was “horrible”.

“Queensland were a much better team, they came out firing and I think that’s what we lacked from the get-go,” Kelly said.

“At the end of the day, the completion was horrible so we couldn’t get into any positions to create any good ball and have any attack, which is what our team is so good at. We’re so fast and strong, and unfortunately, there were just errors after errors in crucial parts of the game.”

It wasn’t as if the Sky Blues didn’t have opportunities, but when they got to Queensland’s line, they couldn’t hold onto the ball. Grace Kemp came up with three errors in front of the try line, but the poor discipline was just as costly.

Kemp gave away a penalty for shoving her hand in a player’s face during a tackle, while Yasmin Clydsdale was done for a late hit on Lauren Brown.

But things were awry from the start for NSW. Emma Tonegato lost the ball in the Sky Blues’ first carry of the night - her first of three errors - which helped set up Evania Pelite’s opening try for Queensland in the first minute of the game.

After the Sky Blues’ game two loss in torrential rain in Newcastle, Hilder said her team preferred a dry track. However, she refused to concede that rain played a part in Thursday night’s result.

“It didn’t at all. We had played in Newcastle, we were ready for any condition,” Hilder said. “We knew that the rain was coming, so I don’t think that was an excuse for us at all.”

There it is.

Queensland have wrapped up this year’s women’s State of Origin series with a brilliant and clinical 22-6 win over the Blues in Townsville.

An error-riddled Blues side just never got into the contest as Evania Pelite (first minute), Julia Robinson (29th minute) and Tazmin Rapana (67th minute) scored tries in the first-ever women’s Origin decider.

Let the celebrations begin. The Maroons are worthy winners.

Pelite is named player of the match.

“I’m so proud,” Pelite told Johnathan Thurston on the Channel Nine broadcast. “So proud of the girls. It’s unreal. You can’t beat it.”

Tazmin Rapana barges over for Queensland to score the match-winner.

The Maroons looked home but Rapana puts the icing on the cake to seal a comfortable victory. They are thrilled.

QLD 22 NSW 6 after 68 minutes

The Blues get on the charge, making 53 metres from their set, to put the Maroons under a little bit of pressure as a “Queenslander” chant rings around Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

The Maroons look comfortable though. They seem in control.

QLD 16 NSW 6, after 65 minutes

Ali Brigginshaw of the Maroons. Credit: Getty Images

What a try.

Jaime Chapman comes to the party with a 90-metre intercept. Great vision, fend and speed to get to the line. Just when her side desperately needed it.

Rugby league, it’s a funny game. Could they? Surely not. Keep in mind, women’s Origin matches go for 70 minutes.

QLD 16 NSW 6 after 60 minutes

The Blues have their best period of play and come close to a four-pointer but just can’t finish it off. Just lack that final bit of polish close to the line. Never looked comfortable in the wet.

QLD 16 NSW 0 after 58 minutes

Kezie Apps of the Blues. Credit: Getty Images

The Blues get penalised for a late hit on Queensland kicker Lauren Brown.

The home side then march up the field and get into auspicious position to strike. A quick look shows they’ve made 100 more post-contact metres than the Blues tonight. Says it all.

Queensland reserve Chelsea Lenarduzzi goes over for a try … but knocks it on. Great call from the on-field ref who spotted that.

QLD 16 NSW 0 after 51 minutes

Another knock-on from the Blues, once again from Grace Kemp. It’s her second of the evening close to the line.

“Dear oh dear oh dear,” says an exasperated Gus Gould in commentary. “NSW have lost this between the ears.”

QLD 16 NSW 0 after 46 minutes.

Tarryn Aiken of the Maroons is tackled. Credit: Getty Images

Ali Brigginshaw has helped Queensland start the half where they left off with a magnificent 40-20.

In the women’s game, it only needs to be a 40-30 (kicking from within a team’s 40-metre line and over sideline inside other team’s 30-metre zone) … but Brigginshaw’s was a legitimate 40-20.

Romy Teitze slots a penalty for the Maroons to edge ahead 16-0 after 40 minutes.

Blues coach Kylie Hilder said at the break NSW couldn’t have played any worse. To be a fly on the wall in those sheds at half-time.

Someone in the NSW team is going to have to make something out of nothing here. A big moment could change the game. Otherwise, this could get ugly in conditions that are getting even tougher as heavier rain starts to fall.