Ali Brigginshaw was visibly upset following Queensland’s defeat in the recent State of Origin match, revealing it might have been her final appearance at this level. New South Wales showcased their prowess once again, dominating the game with a 26-6 victory amidst heavy rain in Sydney, securing an unassailable lead in the series.
The Maroons captain struggled to make her mark as they were thoroughly outplayed at Allianz Stadium, despite an early try that stirred controversy. Post-match, she conveyed her feelings to Johnathan Thurston, who noted her “distraught” state over the series loss. Brigginshaw acknowledged the strength of the NSW side, commenting on their effective momentum throughout the match.
She highlighted the prowess of Jesse Southwell, noting her excellent kicking performance. “We felt like we were constantly on the back foot,” Brigginshaw said. Despite the setback, she expressed determination to fight back in the next game, insisting they would give their all.
The Maroons now face the prospect of a series whitewash as they prepare for the third match at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium. Head coach Tahnee Norris stated the team would be “playing for pride,” though she did not confirm if any changes would be made to the line-up after their consecutive losses.
Brigginshaw, in a press conference, acknowledged her emotional connection to the game, indicating the possibility of it being her last in the Queensland jersey. “I’ve been in this game a long time, and it’s hard to know when it could be over. Every match is a hard-fought battle, and losing hits hard,” she stated. Her commitment to the team and the sacrifices made over her 16-year career were evident in her emotional response, underscoring the dark side of competition.
As tears flowed, she reinforced the significance of such emotions in the game, stating, “If I didn’t feel this, it wouldn’t mean anything to me.” Brigginshaw’s heartfelt reflections encapsulated the dedication of the players, who put in tremendous effort and passion for their sport. With the upcoming game, she assured fans of their relentless desire to win, affirming they wouldn’t give in easily.