Determined Blues overcome early deficit for 1-0 lead

The Westpac NSW Blues Women have secured an 11-6 win in Game One of the Ampol Women’s State of Origin Series at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.   

An intense first half saw the Blues come out of the gates hungry to defend their line. An early error put them under pressure on the scoreboard, but it didn’t define the grit and determination showed from both sides as NSW entered half-time at 6-0 behind. 

NSW led the way in the second half putting on some impressive defence in front of a packed Newcastle crowd helping them carry out the 11-6 victory in an intense game of Origin football. 

Securing promising field position off the back of a NSW error under the high ball, Queensland's Otesa Pule who crashed over the line first.

Shortly after entering the field after the early loss of prop Makenzie Weale to a failed HIA, Pule produced a strong run from close range to score under the posts. A successful conversion from Lauren Brown saw the Maroons hold and early 6-0 lead.

Blocks of continuous play saw the ball move from end to end putting both teams under pressure, but with a 6-0 lead at half-time the Maroons had an upper hand.

“It didn’t show it on the scoreboard, but we knew within ourselves that we were going to be sweet,” Westpac NSW Blues Women’s halfback Jesse Southwell said post-game.

“The coaching staff at half-time were so calm, our leaders were so calm, so I think we knew we just had to hold onto the ball and keep doing what we were doing.”

A reset proved all the difference for the Blues, as some enormous defensive plays mounted pressure on the Maroons. A Jocelyn Kelleher tackle forced Queensland to lose the ball and the Blues fired up to turn pressure into points. 

Attacking close to the line, dummy-half Olivia Higgins snuck a pass back against the grain for Ellie Johnston who ran strong and direct over the try-line. Southwell added the extras taking the score to 6-6 with 24 minutes remaining. 

As the clock ticked down with both sides holding their ground, the field goal attempts began. After unsuccessful attempts from both sides in back-to-back sets the Blues found their way back upfield. At 20 metres out from the line, Southwell lined up perfectly to slot the field goal, putting the NSW in the lead for the first time, 7-6. 

With a full attacking set up their sleeve and only 33 seconds on the clock, the Blues weren’t finished. 

Looking for opportunities to further their lead, NSW shifted right on the last play before eventually finding the hands of centre Jessica Sergis. Ducking, weaving and dummying her way through the Maroons' defence, she scored right on the full-time siren as the Blues cemented a 1-0 lead in the series. 

“That was probably the fastest and definitely the toughest game I have ever played,” Southwell said. 

“It was end to end and Queensland didn’t let up.

“It just goes to show what the women’s game is doing, and it was just a great Origin game.”