The historic three-match Women’s State of Origin will go to a decider in Townsville after Queensland completed a remarkable 11-10 comeback win to stun New South Wales.
Second best for virtually all of the contest in Newcastle, the Maroons were staring down the barrel of a series loss before rallying late on to steal the game and keep the series alive.
Lauren Brown was the hero for the visitors in front of a record women’s Origin crowd of 25,782 at McDonald Jones Stadium, when she stepped up and booted a field goal with just minutes remaining on the clock.
Who won Women’s State of Origin Game 2?
Tahnee Norris’ side found themselves down by six points ticking into the closing stages, but Tarryn Aiken ghosted through from close range to level the scores before Brown converted the goal and then slotted a field goal to spark jubilant scenes.
“That was a special Queensland performance,” Darren Lockyer said on Nine’s coverage.
“We’ve seen it all the time from the men but this time it was the women who did their state proud.”
Keeley Davis had put the home side in front after a physical start to the game when she jumped out of dummy-half to barge her way over.
The lock scored with one of her first touches of the footy after entering off the bench just moments earlier.
With the Maroons struggling to get out of their own territory and put pressure on the hosts, it fell to captain Ali Brigginshaw to spark her side.
And the veteran did precisely that when she floated an inch-perfect pass out to Shenae Ciesiolka to crash over and reduce the deficit to 6-4 with 15 minutes still to play.
Yet Jessica Sergis responded in kind when she produced a crucial one-on-one strip to allow her side to set up camp inside Queensland’s red zone.
Moments later, Tiana Penitani jumped over in the corner after neat build-up play from Corban Baxter to stretch the lead to 10-4.
But the Maroons refused to go down without a fight and Aiken’s solo try, where she skipped past a wrong-footed Yasmin Clydsdale, set the game up for a nail-biting conclusion.
After a dropped ball from Caitlan Johnston, QLD had a chance to strike first which Brown duly did when she held onto a tricky pass from Tamika Upton before nailing the field goal.
The Maroons will now head back home with a chance of claiming the shield in front of their fans.
However, two of their stars face a nervous wait with Brigginshaw cited for a trip and Player of the Match Shannon Mato likely to come under scrutiny for a hair pull.
When is Women’s State of Origin Game 3?
The third and final Women’s State of Origin clash will be hosted in Townsville on Thursday, June 27 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Women’s State of Origin Game 3 predicted sides for QLD and NSW
QLD predicted team for Game 3:
1. Tamika Upton
2. Julia Robinson
3. Shenae Ciesiolka
4. Evania Pelite
5. Emmanita Paki
6. Tarryn Aiken
7. Ali Brigginshaw
8. Shannon Mato
9. Lauren Brown
10. Jessika Elliston
11. Tazmin Rapana
12. Romy Teitzel
13. Sienna Lofipo
14. Destiny Brill
15. Emma Manzelmann
16. Makenzie Weale
17. Keilee Joseph
QLD Maroons team news:
Morris is likely to stick strong with the 17 who claimed a brilliant late victory to send the series to a decider.
Emmanita Paki was drafted into the backline, while Lauren Brown was shifted from the centres into dummy-half for Game II.
Brigginshaw and Mato were put on report for separate incidents during Game II and will hope to avoid any suspensions.
NSW predicted team for Game 3:
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-Green
11. Kezie Apps
12. Yasmin Clydsdale
13. Keeley Davis
14. Taliah Fuimaono
15. Olivia Kernick
16. Grace Kemp
17. Sarah Togatuki
NSW Sky Blues team news:
NSW are likely to head into the clash unchanged after they dominated proceedings in Newcastle, only to fall short in the final moments.
