Women’s State of Origin Game I: NSW Blues lodge official eye gouge complaint against Maroons rival

NSW hooker Keeley Davis was reluctant to discuss the ugly eye gouge allegation which rocked Origin I - but she says that while she’s not certain who the culprit was she has no doubts that she felt an eye gouge.

NSW hooker Keeley Davis was reluctant to name the Queensland culprit at the centre of her eye gouging allegation but suggested the act of foul play was deliberate.

Thursday night’s women’s State of Origin clash was marred by the eye gouge allegation, as NSW claimed the series opener with a comprehensive 32-12 win at Suncorp Stadium.

NSW Skipper Isabelle Kelly made an official complaint against a Maroons player, alleging star Blues hooker Keeley Davis was the victim of an eye gouge.

Footage showed Davis and Kelly making a complaint to referee Belinda Sharpe after one of the Blues’ first half tries.

After conferring with the NSW duo, referee Belinda Sharpe placed the incident on report

The incident will come under further scrutiny by the match review committee on Friday morning.

Kelly (L) and Keeley Davis (R) talk to referee Belinda Sharp.

But Keeley remained tight-lipped when asked about the incident after the clash on Thursday night.

“I won’t say too much on it yet. I don’t know how much I can say,” Davis said after the match.

“Obviously it is going to have to go to the judiciary, so I’ll just leave it at that.

“I’m unsure (who it was) at this moment.

“I’ve never felt (anything like that) before in the game. But I felt an eye gouge.”

Davis also confirmed that she had been bitten in last year’s Origin series, an incident that went unreported, but felt Thursday’s act of foul play warranted an official complaint.

“You know what, it’s the Origin arena and things happen,” Keeley said.

“There is a difference between (something) being incidental or on purpose. You hope it doesn’t happen, but it is what it is.”

While the eye-gouging incident might be a case of deja-vu for Keeley, the NSW rake was adamant the Blues would not suffer a repeat of last year’s series.

NSW took the lead after a game one victory at Suncorp Stadium in 2024 before Queensland claimed the first ever three-game series with back-to-back wins in Newcastle and Townsville.

“There is no way we can be complacent,” Keeley said.

“For us, I think last year was a completely different year. We are so focused on just being the best we can be... and looking at last year at all.

John Strange is an excellent coach, so are our assistants. No doubt they will have some good feedback for us and ways to improve.

“I think it’s really important to focus on where we can improve and work on our strengths.”

Originally published as Women’s State of Origin Game I: NSW Blues lodge official eye gouge complaint against Maroons rival