Olivia Kernick fumes over Bunker decision as costly error gifts try to Maroons

NSW Blues star Olivia Kernick was visibly frustrated during the first half of game two in the Women’s State of Origin, following a pivotal mistake that allowed the Maroons to score a try.

Just minutes into the match, Maroons hooker Lauren Brown executed a clever grubber kick from the dummy-half position, targeting the line.

Kernick appeared to have got a hand on the ball in the in-goal area, although she fumbled while Tamika Upton also vied for possession.

The referee, Belinda Sharpe, referred the decision to the Bunker, with Upton looking less than convinced about the outcome.

Gerard Sutton from the Bunker determined that at no point did Kernick attempt to ground the ball; rather, she was “trying to gain possession”. This led to Upton being awarded the try.

Kernick quickly turned to Sharpe, seemingly exclaiming, “That’s a try? Are you serious?”

Blues representative Millie Boyle credited Brown’s intelligence on the field, explaining, “It’s another clever kick from Lauren Brown. The way she skids the footy along the ground in these conditions makes it incredibly challenging to regain possession… It gives the attacking player a significant advantage to dive over and apply the pressure.” She shared these thoughts on Nine.

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However, Kernick redeemed herself by scoring NSW’s second try later in the match, skilfully fending off and outsmarting Upton as she charged towards the line.