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Maroons snatch Women's Origin glory

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25th June, 2021
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A controversial final-minute penalty has gifted Queensland an 8-6 win over NSW and back-to-back Women’s State of Origin titles at a wet Sunshine Coast Stadium.

The Blues saw red after Friday’s match, accusing Chelsea Lenarduzzi of “milking” the penalty when Filomina Hanisi pulled her leg as the Maroons prop tried to play the ball right in front of the posts.

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The hard-fought clash held in miserable weather looked headed for golden point but NSW were left shattered when Queensland centre Lauren Brown slotted the match-winning penalty with just 20 seconds left.

“It is just a really s*** way to lose a game right on full-time,” rookie Blues coach Kylie Hilder said.

NSW captain Kezie Apps was left shaking her head over the call that ensured Queensland backed up from last year’s 24-18 win and squared the Origin ledger at 2-2.

Maroons captain Ali Brigginshaw (right) tackles Centre for NSW Women is number 4Isabelle Kelly

(Photo by Dan Peled/Getty Images)

“I thought she was milking it. It is just a really bad way to end a game,” she said of Lenarduzzi.

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Jillaroos great Tarsha Gale agreed.

“Chelsea is a good one at milking it. I am not sure she deserved that penalty and look at that cheeky grin from her (after earning the penalty),” TV commentator Gale said.

Lenarduzzi celebrated after the penalty was blown, no doubt breathing a sigh of relief after her gaffe helped NSW lock it up at 6-6 and ensure a tense finish.

Lenarduzzi was placed on report for a dangerous tackle in the 52nd minute before recalled Blues half Maddie Studdon slotted the penalty kick to level the scores.

Maroons coach Tahnee Norris said she thought the last-minute penalty made up for Queensland fullback Tamika Upton’s 64th minute disallowed try.

Upton’s effort was for nought after Julia Robinson was deemed to have obstructed NSW playmaker Corban Baxter in the lead-up.

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“I think we were unlucky with the obstruction call before. We will take that penalty,” Norris said.

Queensland back-rower Tazmin Gray (125 metres from 15 hit-ups) received the Nellie Doherty Medal for player of the match while captain Ali Brigginshaw was again inspirational at lock for the hosts, who led 6-4 at halftime.

Hooker Destiny Brill – just 18 – also turned heads as one of three Maroons debutantes with a try, 29 tackles and four tackle busts.

Star centre Isabelle Kelly (one try, 160 metres) and prop Millie Boyle (143 metres) were standouts for the Blues, who struggled most in the wet, letting four try-scoring chances slip.

Gray, Lenarduzzi (Queensland) and NSW prop Simaima Taufa were placed on report while Brigginshaw may be in trouble after Kennedy Cherrington accused her of hair pulling in a first-half tackle.

Meanwhile, Blues winger Tiana Penitani (suspected knee) limped off in the 57th minute.

© AAP

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