The Sky Blues have taken out the first game of the 2024 women’s State of Origin series, defeating Queensland 22-12.
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Competing on enemy territory, the Sky Blues sent an early warning to the reigning champions, with two early tries setting the tone for the match.
Queensland superstar Tamika Upton got the Maroons on the board late in the second half, but couldn’t trigger a comeback.
In front of 25,492 fans – yet another record women’s Origin crowd – the Sky Blues took ownership of the game, with six line breaks and 36 tackle breaks.
Emma Tonegato opened the scoring for New South Wales in the 5th minute before Jaime Chapman silenced the home crowd with a “breathtaking” solo effort.
The Sky Blues went into the break with a 14-0 lead – their biggest ever half-time lead in women’s Origin.
Rachael Pearson knocked another two points on the board early in the second half, before Queensland looked mount a comeback.
After a consecutive sets on the Blues line, Tamika Upton crashed over from close range in the 54th minute.
“You knew who it would be … it’s not one of the best, but she’s certainly one of the best in the game and she does this regularly,” Phil Gould said in commentary for Nine.
“Upton does it all herself. Just kept persevering until she got to the line.”
The comeback looked to be in full swing when Emma Manzelmann all but scored out of dummy half, but dropped the ball over the line.
“Looked certain to score – she’d beaten them,” Gould said.
Caitlan Johnston ended the fightback, toppling over three defenders to push the visitor’s lead to 16 with only minutes on the clock.
Emily Bass scored a late consolation try after Chapman copper a horror bounce. Temara’s conversion the last points of the match.
Speaking to Nine’s Marlee Silva after the siren, Johnston said the visitors were well aware of the challenge they faced heading into the clash.
“We went back and we reviewed last year, and we came here with a job to do and I’m sure we completed that with the result that’s on that board,” Johnston said.
“I couldn’t be prouder of us girls – we worked hard for seven weeks, it’s really paid off.
“It feels great. I love this game and I love wearing the Blues jersey.
“I know that I am doing my family and NSW supporters proud, and back at home as well. I’m forever grateful and can’t wait for the next one.”
Maroons five-eighth Tarryn Aitken said that opening blitz from the Blues was the difference between the two sides.
“They started really well and we were two steps behind for the first ten minutes,” she told Darren Lockyer on Nine.
“It was too hard to climb back in the end … really disappointing. Lucky we have a three-game series.”
The Sky Blues will look to clinch the series in Origin II in Newcastle on June 6.
