NSW has successfully reclaimed the women’s State of Origin shield, but they squandered a fantastic chance to make history with a 3-0 series win on Thursday night.
The match at McDonald Jones Stadium unfolded under persistent rain, with the Maroons showcasing their determination as they fought valiantly for pride in the face of defeat.
A critical error by the Blues’ captain in the first half proved costly, while several Queensland forwards stepped up their game after disappointing performances earlier in the series.
Below, The Mole assesses each player’s performance from the third match.
NSW BLUES
1. Abbi Church
Delivered a superb try-saving tackle close to the line but otherwise was relatively quiet. Rating: 6
2. Jaime Chapman
Had minimal chances in what was her quietest outing of the series. Completed ten runs for just 85 metres and narrowly missed scoring a try early on. Rating: 5
3. Jessica Sergis
One of the few Blues able to challenge the Maroons’ defence, she scored a determined try out wide with a powerful burst of speed. Rating: 7
4. Isabelle Kelly
Headed the Blues in yardage but fell victim to the cardinal error of failing to ground the ball when no one was near her over the try line. This ultimately cost the Blues the match. Rating: 6
5. Jayme Fressard
Made one scoring opportunity count, capitalising on a wayward pass from Southwell to score, but was otherwise uninvolved. Rating: 5
6. Tiana Penitani-Gray
Attempted to spark the error-prone Blues backline, contributing with a try assist and a line break assist. Rating: 6
7. Jesse Southwell
Orchestrated the Blues’ attacking plays, being involved in nearly all their offensive efforts—this young talent has a bright future. Rating: 6.5
8. Simaima Taufa
After dominating the Maroons in previous matches, she had a disappointing performance with only four runs for 37 metres. Rating: 4
9. Keeley Davis
Provided almost nothing from dummy-half and only made two runs with the ball. Rating: 4
Keeley Davis Getty
10. Ellie Johnston
The Maroons effectively contained the Blues’ dominant front-rower, preventing her from driving forward as she had in previous matches. Rating: 5
11. Kezie Apps
Made strong runs down the flanks, but couldn’t effectively connect with her outside teammates like she did in the earlier games. Rating: 6
12. Yasmin Clydsdale
Struggled in defence, missing three tackles and making a wayward pass to the touch judge—she seemed off her game. Rating: 4.5
13. Olivia Kernick
The Blues’ standout player of the series was tireless in defence with 40 tackles; however, this took a toll on her offensive presence. Rating: 6.5
14. Jocelyn Kelleher
Failed to energise the Blues, registering just two runs throughout half the match, though she did score a try in the second half. Rating: 3
Jocelyn Kelleher scores during game three Getty
15. Kennedy Cherrington
Struggled to keep pace when she entered the field off the bench and did not return for the second half due to injury. Rating: 4
16. Sarah Togatuki
Played only 14 minutes before suffering a serious head knock, leaving the field dazed. Rating: 2
17. Emma Verran
Worked diligently in defence when introduced but had no impact with the ball. Rating: 3.5
QUEENSLAND MAROONS
1. Hayley Maddick
Stepped up well to replace Tamika Upton, showing reliability at the back even if she didn’t contribute much offensively. Rating: 6
2. Julia Robinson
Won an intense battle against Chapman and made a crucial try-saving tackle early in the game, setting the tone for the Maroons. Rating: 7
3. Shenae Ciesiolka
Injured her sternum early in the match, restricting her game time. Rating: 3
19. Emily Bass
Came in late to the starting lineup and performed well defensively against the threatening Blues backs. Rating: 6
5. Jasmine Peters
Even though she was listed as a winger, she played predominantly in the centres and enjoyed being closer to the action. Rating: 6.5
6. Tarryn Aiken
This rising star delivered her best performance of the series, setting up a crucial try with a grubber and threatening the Blues’ defence with her running game. Rating: 8
7. Lauren Brown
Had a quiet game offensively, but her perfect three conversions under pressure proved to be decisive. Rating: 7
8. Makenzie Weale
Dominated the clash with a try, 140 run metres, and two line breaks. Rating: 8.5
9. Destiny Brill
Looked dangerous out of dummy-half until a rib injury ended her night prematurely. Rating: 5
10. Jessika Elliston
Deservedly awarded player of the match, she dominated the NSW pack with her powerful running through the middle. Rating: 8.5
11. Sienna Lofipo
Had her best moments in defence against the skillful Blues edge players. Rating: 5.5
12. Romy Teitzel
Dangerous from start to finish, rewarded with a vital try when she latched onto an Aiken grubber. Rating: 7.5
16. Chelsea Lenarduzzi
Promoted to the starting lineup, she had a standout game, astonishing the Blues in her first stint and scoring the match-winning try in her second. Rating: 8.5
13. Ali Brigginshaw
Delivered her best performance of the series coming off the bench, making significant plays, including an intercept in the dying moments as the Blues attempted to secure victory. Rating: 7
Ali Brigginshaw celebrates with teammates after the victory. Getty
14. Georgia Hannaway
Made one run for merely two metres—essentially absent for the match! Rating: 2
15. Sophie Holyman
Brought enthusiasm from the bench to help maintain momentum for the Maroons. Rating: 5.5
17. Tavarna Papalii
Solid defensively but had minimal involvement with the ball during her time on the field. Rating: 5
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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