Interstate bragging rights are up for grabs tonight, as Queensland take on New South Wales in the Women’s State of Origin at the Sunshine Coast Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 7:45pm (AEDT).
Hey! You’re looking at an old blog! Keep up to date with Game 1, 2021 live scores here.
NSW have claimed State of Origin wins over the past couple of years, but both games were at North Sydney Oval. The game will be held on the Sunshine Coast this year, and Queensland will be desperate to get the job done in front of their home fans.
There is one big rule change this year with the length of the game increasing from 60 minutes to 70, so there will be some fatigue at the back end of both halves. However, set restarts won’t be a feature of this State of Origin, with ruck infringements drawing a penalty.
Queensland have struggled to score points in past State of Origins, so coach Jason Hetherington has made an important positional switch. Ali Brigginshaw will start at lock with Tarryn Aiken and Zahara Temara in the halves.
Behind an impressive forward pack, Queensland will be hoping they can create enough chances for the likes of fullback Tamika Upton to capitalise on.
For NSW, coach Andrew Patmore made some big changes to the initial squad, with regular halves Maddie Studdon and Kirra Dibb left out. Roosters pairing Corban McGregor and Melanie Howard replace them in the effort to build on that club combination.
NSW do have a good pack of forwards, with Millie Boyle and Simaima Taufa up front and Hannah Southwell, who is the best defender in the game.
In a big boost for the Blues, Kezie Apps and Isabelle Kelly have been cleared to play.
Prediction
Queensland have the benefit of continuity with Broncos players making up the bulk of the team. That is a large advantage in a one-off game.
NSW will need to rely on individual brilliance, and they have that in spades through Kelly and Jess Sergis. However, it’s a big ask for the new-look halves combination to deliver in their first game at this level.
Queensland have it all to play for at home and they will get the win.
Queensland by eight points.
Kick-off: 7.45pm (AEDT)
Venue: Sunshine Coast Stadium
TV: Nine, Foxtel
Live stream: Kayo Sports, 9Now, NRL Live Pass
Odds: Queensland $1.40, NSW $3
Queensland
1. Tamika Upton 2. Shenae Ciesiolka 3. Julia Robinson 4. Lauren Brown 5. Karina Brown 6. Tarryn Aiken 7. Zahara Temara 8. Chelsea Lenarduzzi 9. Brittany Breayley 10. Stephanie Hancock 11. Tallisha Harden 12. Tazmin Gray 13. Ali Brigginshaw
Interchange: 14. Rona Peters 15. Annette Brander 16. Shannon Mato 17. Shaniah Power
New South Wales
1. Botille Vette-Welsh 2. Jessica Sergis 3. Tiana Penitani 4. Isabelle Kelly 5. Shanice Parker 6. Corban McGregor 7. Melanie Howard 8. Simaima Taufa 9. Keeley Davis 10. Millie Boyle 11. Kezie Apps 12. Shaylee Bent 13. Hannah Southwell
Interchange: 14. Quincy Dodd 15 Filomina Hanisi 16 Sarah Togatuki 17 Yasmin Meakes
andrew
Roar Rookie
One thing I noticed about the women last night, at least they play the ball properly. Hardly any forward passes, the only reason was that gale behind whoever ran with the wind.
Nico
Roar Rookie
Really enjoyed the shorter kicking game, made the game more about running the ball and less of a territory battle, even a few mid field chip kicks which you hardly ever see in NRL these days
Rob
Guest
Knows when to put the foot down that kid. The Blues are a bit short on their best team through injuries and I think Queensland got a bit lucky as well. Someone with speed making a break is nice to have on your team.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
The try Aitken scored was a bottler as well. Ran around from the open side, show and go with speed and step. She's great.
Rob
Guest
Yep. They put on a game good enough to have their own stand alone night I reckon. I think the 18 and 20’s game should get a shot before the big boys personally.
Greg
Roar Pro
Great game. Would love to see it become a 3 game series.
Rob
Guest
Actually I found that a much more enjoyable game to watch then Wednesday night. NSW flew home and the ref was pretty bloody fair and unbiased in my opinion. Well done girls. That little 6 taking of and the fullback backing up was the difference. It was a cracker for a QLD view point.
David Holden
Roar Guru
Thanks for following the blog tonight. Hope everyone enjoys their weekend!
Brendon Waldron
Roar Pro
Maybe if it was a Sunday game, but I don't think 5pm on a Wednesday is the ideal showcase for anything. I think Friday night footy is the right time if the men's origin insists on being mid week...
David Holden
Roar Guru
Thanks mate, back for SOO3 on Wednesday night. Looking forward to that one as well
David Holden
Roar Guru
FT' Queensland have withstood a late comeback from New South Wales to clinch a 24-18 win tonight. Running into the wind in the second half, the Maroons got a roll on early and the likes of Tarryn Aiken and Tamika Upton had the class to make the Blues pay. When Steph Hancock crashed over, the game looked over. Credit to NSW for fighting back but it was a case of too little, too late for the Blues tonight
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Really enjoyed that well done to both teams. Thanks David, great stuff as always.
Nat
Roar Rookie
Baahahahaha! The womens handshake could take 2hrs! :laughing:
Nat
Roar Rookie
Well done Qld. 1st SOO Win!!
David Holden
Roar Guru
FULL TIME QUEENSLAND BEAT NEW SOUTH WALES 24-18
David Holden
Roar Guru
70' NSW have one play. The kick off from K Brown has bounced into touch and Queensland have won it Queensland 24 New South Wales 18
G Len N
Roar Rookie
Great game. Well done both teams.
David Holden
Roar Guru
69' TRY NEW SOUTH WALES McGregor runs it back. Hanisi hit hard by Peters. Vette-Walsh has broken the line and beaten Upton to score in the corner. TRY. Conversion missed Queensland 24 New South Wales 18
Rob
Guest
Lucky we’re only playing 70.
G Len N
Roar Rookie
Peter’s is my favourite league tackler.