Match report and summary
The match report is now live from the always excellent Jack Snape at Suncorp Stadium.
It’s been an incredible night for the Blues, they will take so much confidence from that win and particularly from their very fast and dynamic start. However, as I said before, you never write off Queensland and that doesn’t just go for within a game, it also means when they’re 1-0 down in a series with their backs to the wall. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see them bounce back hard in Newcastle and not care a jot that the crowd is against them. Both teams have plenty of work to do before next game – it’s sure to be a cracker!
We’ll be back with the blog for the next game in three weeks, so make sure you join us again then. Until then, rest your voices ready for another huge game and happy Magic Round to all who celebrate!
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Player of the Match: Yasmin Clydsdale
A fantastic performance from Clydsdale sees her take home the player of the match award. She’s very happy that there are still two games to go, talking up the importance of the series.
“We’re creating a legacy here, it’s super important moving forward that we’re always going to have the three games.”
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If Blues tries are more your thing, here is Caitlan Johnston’s barnstorming effort:
Caitlan Johnston goes straight through them! 💪#Origin pic.twitter.com/HDb4QMLYmM
— NRLW (@NRLWomens) May 16, 2024
While we’re waiting for the player of the match to be awarded, you might like to check out Tamika Upton’s try that got Queensland’s scoring underway – especially if you’re a Maroons fan looking for some positives out of tonight’s game!
Tamika Upton gets Queensland on the board! 😤#Origin pic.twitter.com/OQFpQkhRk0
— NRLW (@NRLWomens) May 16, 2024
Kylie Hilder is having an in-depth conversation with some of her backs – there’s plenty of determination in there and not too much celebration. The Blues look like a team on a mission, with a strong awareness that the series is not over yet and they want to get that next win and close off the series.
Millie Elliot is beaming – she knows what a huge moment it is to take that win at Suncorp Stadium.
“It was so special and to have such a big turn out, we knew it was going to be big,” she says. “We really, really wanted that one and the girls fought hard to get the win.”
Blues’ second half scorer Caitlan Johnston is very happy with the win: “We came with a job to do and we completed that with the result on the board.”
Tarryn Aiken for Queensland is very disappointed, but is thankful that it’s a three-game series this time around. “They started so fast and we were just left behind,” she tells Darren Lockyer on the field after the match.
FULL TIME! NSW 22-12 QLD
Well I don’t think anyone was expecting a start like that! A huge statement from NSW to stamp their authority on the series early. With the next game at home in Newcastle, they have put themselves in the best possible position to win this very first three-game series. Queensland were much better in the second half, but that late try from NSW was enough to seal the deal and the Blues take game one.
68 mins: NSW start their set strongly, but there’s ruled to be a knock on midway through the set. There’s a captain’s challenge, but it’s unsuccessful and Queensland get the ball back. Apps has been ruled out of the rest of the game with a knee injury, but it doesn’t appear to be too serious, so hopefully she’ll be back in Newcastle in three weeks. Queensland get some good territory and are getting themselves set up for a late fight back. They get the try, but it appears to be too little, too late.
GOAL! NSW 22-12 QLD
What a kick from Temara from the sideline! It hits the crossbar and bounces over – very impressive!
TRY! NSW 22-10 QLD
Incredible kick from Aiken – it goes straight through Chapman’s legs and Bass picks it up for an easy dive over the line out wide.
66 mins: A good set from NSW finishes with a kick by Pearson that finds the legs of Brigginshaw – it looks like it could be a penalty to NSW for offside, but referee Badger rules it a scrum feed to NSW and they have great territory for the first time in a long while. Johnston takes advantage and scores to swing the momentum back to the Blues.
GOAL! NSW 22-6 QLD
Another simple kick for Pearson and things are looking up for NSW after a tough period of the game.
TRY! NSW 20-6 QLD
Finally NSW get some field position through a scrum feed and Johnston has absolutely crashed over the line to score.
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63 mins: Queensland are relentless now in coming for the NSW try line. They come very close to scoring, but Manzelmann drops the ball over the line and the video ref rules it a no try. It gives NSW a little break to catch their breath and a start from the 20m line, which may help them regather. They look calmer, but still like they’re defending a lead, which they can’t afford to do.
61 mins: Into the final 10 minutes of the game now, with Queensland looking dangerous and NSW trying to retreat into their shells. The Blues had an attacking opportunity on the last tackle of their set, but a knock on gives the ball back to Queensland, who respond with another big set and force Tonegato to touch the ball before it goes over the dead ball line, so they’ll have another set.
59 mins: NSW don’t want to make the mistake of just trying to hold on to their lead – it’s not enough to prevent this onslaught, especially in front of a home crowd like this. Queensland again make a dive for the line, but the Blues manage to hold them up over the line. The Queenslander chant starts up around the ground and the Maroons attack hard, but the ball goes into touch over the sideline. NSW start from the scrum and they need to find some momentum and the spark they had earlier.
57 mins: As I said earlier, we never write off Queensland in Origin and they’re now looking like they’re in the game. It’s a good set off six and there are lots of chasers after the kick, but NSW manage to hold it and make their way back down the field. Queensland’s defence is looking better than it’s been all night, that try has really sparked something from them.
55 mins: Queensland respond to that strong defence with the most dynamic attack we’ve seen from them all night. They get very close to the line on the first set, force a repeat and finally find the line.
GOAL! NSW 16-6 QLD
Temara makes no mistake with the kick and the Maroons are back in the game and looking strong.
TRY! NSW 16-4 QLD
After all the one way traffic, finally Queensland find the line after a repeat set. Unsurprisingly it’s try-scoring machine Tamika Upton who crosses for the Maroons to get the comeback started.
53 mins: We have confirmation on that record crowd – there are 25,492 people in the venue tonight, which is fantastic – over 7,000 more than the previous record. On the field, Bass is smashed after the kick - NSW are still full of energy in defence.
51 mins: A great kick from Temara on the last tackle for Queensland skids into the in goal and makes things very awkward for Tonegato. She can’t get back in the field of play and Queensland gets the line drop out and a repeat set. They’re in fantastic position and gunning for the line, but Aiken drops the ball right in front of the uprights and lets the Blues off the hook.
49 mins: Queensland can’t do much with their set and finish with a kick straight down Chapman’s throat, which is not recommended given the form she’s been in tonight. Pearson responds at the end of the Blues’ set with a regulation kick of her own that goes straight to Bass for Queensland, so it seems like some fatigue is setting in for both teams.
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47 mins: The crowd are begging the refs for a penalty, but they won’t be swayed and Queensland have to get to the line the hard way. They put in a good kick, but NSW are up to the task and are back on attack in the blink of an eye. They finish the set in a bit of trouble with Pearson almost tackled with the ball and Penitani has to put in a wobbly kick, but she manages to get it vaguely into space.
45 mins: Kemp yet again has a strong hit up and sets up a kick from Pearson who again finds Chapman. This time she holds on and offloads to Sergis, who offloads herself, but she can’t find a teammate and Queensland get the ball on their own line. But NSW release the pressure by giving away another penalty.
43 mins: Queensland are looking dangerous now and they compound their advantage with a penalty, but NSW defence stands strong and they come away with the ball on their own line before Kelly makes a break down field and suddenly they’re in good territory!
41 mins: Another huge line break with Apps finding Sergis and the Blues have numbers on the left of the field by Robinson comes in with a try saving tackle for Queensland to send Penitani into touch. Queensland power down field through a strong set and trap Tonegato in goal with a wicked bounce and they get a repeat set.
39 mins: Kemp with another barnstorming hit up, followed by Kernick with another huge hit up and then the penalty puts NSW further ahead.
PENALTY GOAL! NSW 16-0 QLD
Kernick gets a penalty after Queensland hold her too long in the tackle and Pearson again opts to take the two and kicks it over the black dot.
37 mins: NSW continue their strong defence to start the second half and Queensland put up a high kick on the last, but Tonegato is up to the task and rushes in to defuse the bomb. Queensland gives away a penalty and it’s more good territory for NSW.
And we’re back for the second half with NSW kicking off!
And what about this try from Jaime Chapman? Just a sensational run!
JAIME CHAPMAN 🤯#Origin pic.twitter.com/uXtQN0mctj
— NRLW (@NRLWomens) May 16, 2024
Fun fact: all points scorers so far tonight (Tonegato, Chapman and goal kicker Pearson) used to play for the St George Illawarra Dragons and no longer do. That’s right, it’s definitely a fun fact and not something that makes me cry just thinking about it.
I hope you’re taking some time to catch your breath after that whirlwind first half! While you do, enjoy this Emma Tonegato try that opened the scoring this evening.
Great support play leads to Emma Tonegato getting us started! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/eIRPDWrdUy
— NRLW (@NRLWomens) May 16, 2024
HALF-TIME! NSW 14-0 QLD
What a half by NSW – they go into the break with their biggest ever lead going into half-time. They have been dominant so far and Queensland look shell shocked. No doubt there will be some serious chats in the Maroons’ changeroom at half time and I’d expect them to come out firing, but NSW will be incredibly pleased with their start. I’ve been super impressed by Grace Kemp on debut. She is a very strong player and her hit ups have created some crucial opportunities. Keep an eye on her in the second half!
34 mins: Queensland start the set from the scrum and it’s on NSW to try to hold them to zero for the half right here. Clydsdale makes an excellent tackle and it fires the Blues up even further. The Maroons put up a decent kick, but Penitani is there to catch it and the chasers tackle her in the air, so she picks up a penalty as well.
32 mins: A much better defensive set from Queensland, putting good pressure on Pearson on the last tackle, stifling the kick she wanted to send much deeper. Queensland put in an early kick for Ciesiolka, but Penitani shuts it down and gets her team back on attack. Another big hit up from Kemp and she tries to get an offload away, but it doesn’t find its mark and we’ve got a scrum.
30 mins: Queensland gets some territory after NSW gives away a penalty through a high tackle and they push down the field with a little more spark than they’ve had for most of this half. It’s a lacklustre finish to the set and Chapman picks up the ball from an easy grubber to start the set for NSW.
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28 mins: A strip from Queensland is penalised and NSW is back in great territory, starting their set 30m out. A huge hit up from Kemp on debut with her first touch of the ball, but she’s stopped just short of the line. Kemp nearly scores on the last tackle of the set with another huge hit up, but she’s held up by about 25 Queenslanders.
26 mins: NSW are back on the attack after a mediocre set from Queensland, but they drop the ball early and Upton looks to create something for the Maroons with a dynamic run. They make some decent metres, but let themselves down with another knock on and hand the ball back to the Blues, who look strong through a great Kezie Apps run.
24 mins: Another line break from NSW, but they can’t go all the way through. It’s still a good set however and another incredible kick from Pearson to Chapman on the last. Chapman launches herself at the ball, but again can’t hold on to it. But you get the feeling that very soon she will hold one and go over the line. NSW are again strong on defence, holding Queensland down in their own end.
22 mins: A big mistake by NSW off the kick off, as they allow the ball to bounce and it goes into touch, so they have to kick it back to Queensland through a line drop out and now the Maroons have the territory they’ve been wanting. Desperate defence from NSW on their own line, but Queensland get close to scoring from the kick. A knock on saves NSW and they get the restart on the 20m line.
PENALTY GOAL! NSW 14-0 QLD
Rapana is penalised for holding on in the tackle and Pearson opts to take the two and knocks it over easily for another two points.
18 mins: NSW have made good metres on this set and it’s a great kick from Pearson – Chapman gets up high to the ball, but she can’t hold it. Then Sergis gets into the action with a great one-on-one strip, but the referee rules no advantage after Chapman’s knock on and Queensland get the ball back. But they can’t hold it for long and NSW get a scrum feed after yet another knock on.
16 mins: A high tackle from NSW and Queensland get a much-needed penalty and get to start their set halfway down the field. They start making good ground, but then they make an error with Aiken knocking the ball on and handing it back to the Blues. Kelly makes some nice space with a late offload early in the set.
14 mins: NSW start their set 30m out and Johnston gets a great offload away to get things moving early in the set, but there’s a knock on and Queensland finally gets the ball. NSW are relentless in their defence however and are not making it easy.
12 mins: It’s been one way traffic so far – that seven-week training camp that NSW held seems to be paying off so far. But if there’s one thing I know about Origin, it’s that you never write off a Queensland team, no matter how dire things seem. And they do seem quite dire with Clydsdale making a huge break and NSW forcing a repeat set.
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GOAL! NSW 12-0 QLD
Another easy shot for Pearson, she’ll be very happy with her teammates and their try positioning so far!
TRY! NSW 10-0 QLD
Incredible run by Jaime Chapman, she gets on the outside with a neat goose step and then uses more fancy footwork to get around Upton and dives for the try line.
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8 mins: NSW look buoyed by that early try and their next set starts strongly as well, pushing hard through the middle and pinning Queensland deep in their own territory.
GOAL! NSW 6-0 QLD
Pearson converts from right in front and NSW take a strong advantage early.
TRY! NSW 4-0 QLD
Tonegato starts the set with a great run and finishes it with a try after Johnston makes a fantastic line break and finds her full back in support.
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6 mins: A difficult bounce from the drop out gives the ball back to NSW after it goes into touch and Tonegato makes up for her earlier mistake with a strong run on the wing.
4 mins: It’s been a clinical start from both teams – apparently it has been raining all day in Brisbane, though it’s clear now, so we might expect some dropped ball. No sooner do I type that and Tonegato does just that and Queensland steal the ball and get a set of six in prime position, deep in NSW territory. They can’t score, but they force a repeat set.
2 mins: NSW get the first use of the ball and they make a powerful start with a good completed set – Sergis nearly takes the ball from the kick, but she can’t hold it and Queensland go on the attack.
The whistle has blown and we are underway in women’s State of Origin Game 1 with Queensland kicking off…
We’re just minutes away from kick off now and the vibes in the stadium look incredibly good. Lots of lights and fireworks as players enter the stadium. A huge roar goes up as Queensland enter and it’s going to be LOUD in there tonight! The pre-game ceremony is about to begin, so get yourself settled in for the game to start very soon.
We’ll keep an eye on attendance figures for tonight also, with a new record for a crowd at a women’s State of Origin due to be set. If you want to throw any predictions my way, hit me up on Twitter or email – the links are at the top of the page.
We're making history tonight with the most attended Women's State of Origin on record! Let's go!! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/6B3KBeygis
— NRLW (@NRLWomens) May 16, 2024
The big news out of those team lists is that Rachael Pearson has overcome her injury concerns, which is great for the Sky Blues. They have also made a late switch, bringing Olivia Kernick into the starting line and shifting Keeley Davis to the bench. The Maroons have made no changes to the side they announced earlier in the week.
Team list: NSW
1. Emma Tonegato, 2. Jaime Chapman, 3. Jessica Sergis, 4. Isabelle Kelly, 5. Tiana Penitani, 6. Corban Baxter, 7. Rachael Pearson, 8. Millie Elliott, 9. Olivia Higgins, 10. Caitlan Johnston, 11. Kezie Apps, 12. Yasmin Clydsdale, 15. Olivia Kernick. Interchange: 13. Keeley Davis, 14. Taliah Fuimaono, 16. Grace Kemp, 17. Sarah Togatuki. Reserve: 18. Jakiya Whitfeld.
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Team list: Queensland
1. Tamika Upton, 2. Julia Robinson, 3. Shenae Ciesiolka, 4. Evania Pelite, 5. Emily Bass, 6. Tarryn Aiken, 7. Zahara Temara, 8. Shannon Mato, 9. Destiny Brill, 10. Jessika Elliston, 11. Tazmin Rapana, 12. Romy Teitzel, 13. Ali Brigginshaw. Interchange: 14. Emma Manzelmann, 16. Sophie Holyman, 17. Lauren Brown, 20. Makenzie Weale. Reserve: 18. Sienna Lofipo.
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The Blues have arrived at Suncorp and game time is getting closer!
The girls have arrived 🏟️#TheSkysTheLimit pic.twitter.com/hSUSHYXHSz
— nswskyblues (@nswskyblues) May 16, 2024
Preamble
Well here we are, about to embark on the very first three game women’s State of Origin series. It feels momentous – particularly because of the location, nothing says “massive Origin game” like Lang Park. It provides Queensland with the ultimate home ground advantage and NSW will have to work very hard to block out the noise and not be overawed by the occasion. However, this being essentially preseason for the NRLW means that things are about to get extremely unpredictable. The players are out of match practice and it often leads to an erratic start to the match.
If you need to get up to speed quickly before the match starts, you can check out my series preview, which should get you ready to act like the loungeroom/pub expert on all things Origin.
Whether you’re a diehard Maroons supporter, a Blues tragic or you’re just along for the ride – I’m here to get you through all the action, so let’s get into it!
