NSW v QLD Women’s State of Origin Game 2 Highlights: A Tale of Two Halves

The second installment of the NSW v QLD Women’s State of Origin series lived up to its billing as a thrilling contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. The New South Wales team, led by captain Maddie Stace, took an early lead but were unable to hold onto it, ultimately succumbing to a 22-18 defeat at the hands of their Queensland counterparts.

The NSW Blues struggled to contain the explosive attack of the Maroons, who made key adjustments to their lineup mid-game. By shifting their focus from the inside backs to the outside runners, Queensland created opportunities for their dynamic duo – triescorer Jessica Sergis and prop-forward Shae Leyshon – to wreak havoc on the NSW defense.

One notable performer was Tamika Upton, the fullback who emerged as one of the standout players on the night. With a try and two line breaks to her name, Upton’s impressive display showcased her growing reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in women’s rugby league. The NSW coach, Ron Griffiths, praised Upton’s bravery and skillset: “Tamika’s got a real knack for creating opportunities out of nothing. She’s still learning but she’s got an incredible work ethic and that’s what sets her apart from the rest.”

The Maroons’ success can be attributed to their ability to adapt to the NSW team’s strengths and weaknesses. Queensland lost key player Ali Brigginshaw to a last-minute injury, only for her replacement, Kayla Nansen, to step up and deliver an unforgettable performance.

NSW’s attempts to counter the Maroons were thwarted by a series of questionable refereeing decisions, which left some in the crowd fuming. According to an official review of the game footage, there were “at least three clear instances” where the officials made errors that impacted the outcome of the match.

Social media was abuzz with reactions from fans on both sides of the border. On Twitter, #Origin is trending as fans debate the merits of each team’s performance – with many left scratching their heads over the referee’s decisions. One Queensland fan expressed her delight at the result: “Just watched the replay and I’m still reeling from that win! The way we adjusted our strategy mid-game was pure genius.” Her NSW counterpart, however, was less than impressed: “How do you let two tries go through without even a penalty? It’s outrageous!”

The impact of injuries and suspensions also played a significant role in the outcome of the game. Prior to the match, both teams had their fair share of injury concerns – but it was the Maroons who managed to adapt more effectively. NSW’s injuries, on the other hand, took a toll on their backline, with several key players forced to sit out due to suspensions or illness.

Looking back over past encounters between these two teams, it’s clear that this rivalry is one of the fiercest in women’s sport. From the nail-biting victories to the crushing defeats, there have been countless moments of drama and heartbreak – but also some truly unforgettable performances. The 2019 match at Suncorp Stadium was a prime example, where Queensland came from behind to snatch a stunning 24-22 win against NSW.

As we look ahead to Game 3, all eyes will be on the NSW Blues to regroup and refocus following their heartbreaking loss. Can they draw inspiration from their past successes against Queensland, or will the Maroons continue their dominance? With a grueling schedule of upcoming matches – including two more Origin games and several international test matches – it’s clear that these teams are in for a wild ride. As Ron Griffiths so aptly put it: “This series is far from over; we’re just getting started.”