Queensland take charge of Women’s State of Origin series with Game One upset

A more clinical Queensland team won the opening match of the two-game Origin series 18-10 in an error-riddled game at Sydney’s CommBank Stadium. A two-try haul from Julia Robinson, a dominant showing from Keilee Joseph and some sublime touches from Tamika Upton guided the Maroons to an upset victory in front of over 12,000 fans.

Both teams struggled to hold the ball but it was the Maroons who held their nerve and made the most of their opportunities to claim a famous win in the first multi-game series for the women.

It was a disappointing evening for the Sky Blues with 18-year-old debutant Jesse Southwell struggling along with halves partner Rachael Pearson while skipper Isabelle Kelly found herself in hospital after sustaining a concerning throat injury.

Drama swept the NSW camp on the morning of the game with Tiana Penitani ruled out with a hamstring injury. Sky Blues coach Kylie Hilder opted to start Taliah Fuimaono in the centres with veteran Jessica Sergis pushing out to the wing. Hilder pulled a further surprise an hour before kickoff when skipper Kezie Apps reverted to the bench.

Queensland found themselves on the back foot within the first minute when burning their challenge on a Shannon Mato error they believed was a strip. It was a difficult start to an unhappy night for Mato, who gave away a penalty in the subsequent set. The Sky Blues failed to take advantage of the early field position and possession though when Southwell spilled the ball and alleviated the pressure.

Two penalties and a knock-down six-again saw Queensland soon applying pressure and unlike the Sky Blues, they were able to take advantage through Robinson, who crashed over after a great short-side cut out ball from the energetic Maroons