Maroons Dash Celebrations in Newcastle, Preventing Historic Series Clean Sweep

Queensland has dashed New South Wales’ hopes of achieving a clean sweep in the Origin series with a dramatic 18-14 victory in Newcastle.

Chelsea Lenarduzzi, who was omitted from the first game, emerged as the hero for the Maroons, clinching the lead with just six minutes remaining.

Ali Brigginshaw delivered a slick pass to Lenarduzzi, who charged over the try line, placing the Blues in a tough spot in front of a home crowd.

“Her performance tonight has been exceptional,” remarked Phil Gould during the broadcast on Nine.

Despite the setback, the home side’s morale remained high as a mistake by Tarren Aiken allowed the Blues to surge down field in search of a comeback.

A professional foul from the try-scoring hero with only three seconds left granted the Blues one final opportunity to score, but they were unable to convert.

“It’s a bit disappointing to end like that, but we need to keep our heads up,” said Abbi Church post-match on Nine.

“We still get to lift the shield. We’d have loved to secure that clean sweep, but it wasn’t meant to be today.

“I think we just handed them too many opportunities downfield. Our discipline let us down; however, I believe the girls put in a fantastic effort.”

Earlier, Church was determined not to let Queensland steal the Blues’ chance for a clean sweep, delivering a stunning “insane” try-saving tackle that shocked league veterans.

Despite a rocky beginning in the final match of the series, the hosts maintained their composure, with their fullback turning the tide at pivotal moments.

In a key moment, Church’s spectacular tackle prevented Emily Bass from extending the Maroons’ lead, leaving commentators on Nine flabbergasted.

Lauren Brown sent a pinpoint bomb soaring over the Blues’ defence, with the ball landing just in front of Maroons centre Bass.

As Bass raced for the try line, NSW’s fullback executed a desperate tackle on the line, managing to hold her opponent off the ground.

“Abbi Church, that’s amazing,” praised Nine’s Mat Thompson.

“That’s simply insane,” added Allana Ferguson.

Phil Gould commented: “That’s brilliant. Absolutely phenomenal.”

The Bunker reviewed the try-saving effort and confirmed that Church had expertly wrapped the ball in her arms, preventing Bass from scoring.

Catch the 2025 Women’s State of Origin series live and free on Nine and 9Now.

Following Church’s heroic tackle, a “frantic” phase ensued as tension escalated between Jamie Chapman and Julia Robinson.

Isabelle Kelly seemingly scored the Blues’ second try in the 21st minute, but the Bunker ruled it out due to the ball not being grounded correctly.

However, Jess Sergis quickly made amends for her captain’s error, shrugging off a defender to score shortly after.

Church continued to impress on the field, executing a brilliant grubber that earned the Blues another set of six close to the try line.

“Abbi Church is absolutely on fire; her performance is spot on,” said Ferguson.

Jocelyn Kelleher joined the try-scoring ranks for the Blues in the 48th minute, before Queensland closed the gap due to a “lazy” mistake from the hosts.