Darling Downs duo deliver stellar performance in dramatic series win

Despite its controversial ending, the Women’s State of Origin series final was full of high intensity and stellar performances by the region’s own Emily Bass and Shenae Ciesiolka.

Queensland has reclaimed the Women’s State of Origin shield with the Darling Downs duo of Shenae Ciesiolka and Emily Bass delivering a fantastic performance in Origin Game II.

In front of a record crowd of 18,275 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville Queensland and New South Wales went head-to-head in the final game of the two-part women’s series.

Emily Bass scored her second Origin try in as many games when at the 25 minute mark NSW left themselves vulnerable as players piled on Evania Pelite, who managed to execute an offload to the Toowoomba product who made it over the white line.

While Queensland led with a 14 to 6 advantage at half time, the Blues fought hard in a nailbiting final 35 minutes.

Emily Bass of the Maroons celebrates after scoring a try during game two of the women's State of Origin series between New South Wales Skyblues and Queensland Maroons at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on June 22, 2023 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Fears for Bass rose at the 58 minute mark when she courageously charged into Jessica Sergis, leaving the Maroons winger on the ground and clutching her shoulder.

After a trainer assessment, Bass remained on the field to the sound of cheers from a sea of Far North Queensland maroons fans.

Oakey’s Ciesiolka proved to be a powerhouse in defence and was involved in a controversial ending for the series finale.

With only two minutes to go before the final whistle, NSW’s Yasmin Clydsdale was initially denied a try before the Bunker ruled a penalty try in their favour, after footage showed Ciesiolka kicking the ball out of Clydsdale’s hands.

Shenae Ciesiolka of the Maroons delivered another stellar result in Game 2. Picture: Matt King / Getty Images

A successful conversion by Jesse Southwell ended the game in NSW’s favour with a 18-14 result.

With the Sky Blues failing to hit the nine point margin, the Maroons ultimately claimed a series victory, leading to several players on both sides calling for a third game in next year’s series.