New South Wales (NSW) has gained an unassailable 2-0 lead in the women’s State of Origin series following a compelling performance on Thursday night, highlighted by standout contributions from players across the board. Olivia Kernick shone with a double try, solidifying her status as one of the game’s elite, while Jesse Southwell played a pivotal role in directing the team’s strategy from halfback.
In contrast, the Queensland Maroons are faced with difficult selection decisions moving forward, with one player particularly at risk of being dropped after a disappointing outing.
A detailed review of individual performances reveals that NSW players generally excelled, with Abbi Church and Isabelle Kelly also notably impactful, running well over 120 metres and contributing significantly to the team’s success. Jesse Southwell’s performance was marked by intelligent kicking and effective game control, earning her an impressive rating, as did Kernick, who led the tackle count with a remarkable 236 metres run.
For Queensland, Tamika Upton’s night was marred by a controversial try awarded by the Bunker, coupled with missed tackles leading to tries against. Julia Robinson emerged as a bright spot, being the only player to exceed 100 metres gained, yet the team largely struggled for field position and effective attack. Veteran player Ali Brigginshaw’s limited impact raises questions about her future selection, as her visibility in the game diminished significantly.
Despite a valiant effort from Lauren Brown, who managed to set up Queensland’s only try, the overall struggle for field position hampered the team’s effectiveness, with several players, including Tarryn Aiken and Rory Owen, failing to make an impact.
In summary, NSW’s convincing performance puts them on track for their first series win, while Queensland must reassess their roster to rekindle their competitiveness in the upcoming game. The performances from both teams highlight the need for adjustments, especially for the Maroons, who face tough choices after a lacklustre showing.