The New South Wales Blues have taken a 1-0 lead in the 2026 Women's State of Origin series after a tense 11-6 victory over the Queensland Maroons at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle. In front of 20,000 fans, the Blues overcame a 6-0 half-time deficit to claim the win in a match that went down to the wire.
Southwell Shines Under Pressure
Jesse Southwell, the Blues halfback who recently left Newcastle club for Brisbane, proved the hero with a decisive field goal seven minutes from full-time. She described the contest as "probably the fastest" and "definitely the toughest" game she had ever played. "It was end-to-end and Queensland never let up," Southwell said. "It just goes to show what the women's game is doing."
With scores locked at 6-6, Queensland's Lauren Brown missed a field goal attempt, striking the left post. Earlier, Southwell's own one-pointer was blocked by prop Destiny Brill. The Maroons were forced into late changes after losing two players to head impacts.
Maroons' Brave Effort Falls Short
Queensland had taken a surprise 6-0 lead at half-time, with debutant Otesa Pule crashing over in the fourth minute after replacing the concussed Makenzie Weale. The Maroons defended resolutely for 45 minutes, but the pressure eventually told. With three minutes remaining, hooker Jada Ferguson appeared certain to score from dummy half, but Blues fullback Abbi Church and mother-of-one Millie Elliott somehow kept the ball from touching the white chalk.
NSW prop Ellie Johnston provided the spark, her powerful runs breaking through Queensland's defensive lines. The Blues' dominance was evident after they had won the first two matches of the 2025 series with a combined score of 58-18.
Injury Woes Hit Queensland
The Maroons' new era under coach Nathan Cross began disastrously when Weale was forced off after the first hit-up. They were also without veteran Ali Brigginshaw, relying on three debutants. Standout forward Keilee Joseph made 32 tackles before being taken off on a medicab after a head clash.
Despite the setbacks, Queensland debutants impressed. Five-eighth Chantay Kiria-Ratu launched towering kicks that nearly created tries, while teenager Phoenix-Raine Hippi showed composure beyond her years. The series now moves to Queensland for Games 2 and 3, where the Maroons will look to level the series.
