NSW have reclaimed the Women’s State of Origin shield, winning a pulsating encounter against Queensland 20-14 in front a record 11,321 fans at Canberra’s GIO Stadium.
First-half tries for Emma Tonegato and Kirra Dib along with four goals from halfback Rachael Pearson saw NSW grind out the win, although it was far from certain until late.
With NSW ahead 16-10, Maroon centre Evania Pelite crossed in the corner but captain Ali Brigginshaw’s conversion attempt struck the woodwork as she attempted to level the scores.
Queensland looked to have scored to steal the win with four minutes to play, but NSW fans were sent into raptures as the try was denied by the bunker with winger Julia Robinson judged offside on the proceeding kick.
NSW didn’t look back, with centre and player of the match Isabelle Kelly capping a 186 running metres display with a try soon after.
They put two years of heartbreak behind them, grabbing an overall 3-2 lead in series victories since the Origin clashes officially began in 2018.
Former Dally M medallist Simaima Taufa was crucial, running for 125m to go with a mountain of defensive work that saw her make a game-high 32 tackles.
Reigning Dally M winner Tonegato was also outstanding, the rugby sevens Olympic gold medallist continue her summit of another code with some sizzling runs and her side’s first try, planting a cheeky dummy-half grubberkick from Keeley Davis.
The Blues’ backs looked seamless but it was their centres who shone brightest, Kelly and Jessica Sergis repeatedly threatening to carve up the Maroons’ line.
Queensland led early through lock Destiny Brill as she crashed over on eight minutes, but they struggled at times to contain the dynamic NSW attack hell-bent on reclaiming the shield.
Seconds after an exceptional Tamika Upton try-saver tackle, the Maroons led against the run of play as Brill crashed over via hooker Brittany Breayley-Nati, but Tonegato soon had the Blues in front.
A stunning run from NSW five-eighth Dib broke the game open, slashing through the line and running 40m as her side skipped out to a 12-4 lead.
But Maroon No.6 Tarryn Aiken produced a mirror image at the other end, bursting past NSW’s defence to run 30m and get Queensland back to 12-10.
Aiken and Brigginshaw controlled things via the boot with 301 kicking metres, but discipline got the Maroons in the end with Pearson’s penalty goals always keeping the Blues’ nose in front.
