Women's State of Origin 2025: NSW Dominates Game One
The Suncorp Stadium roared as the NSW Sky Blues stormed to victory in the opening game of the 2025 Women's State of Origin series, defeating the Queensland Maroons 26-12. Ellie Johnston's two tries, fueled by brilliant play from the Blues backline, were highlights of a dominant performance. But the match wasn't without controversy.
A Controversial Incident
The game took a tense turn when NSW hooker Keeley Davis accused Queensland second-rower Romy Teitzel of eye-gouging. The incident, reported by referee Belinda Sharpe, occurred in the lead-up to Isabelle Kelly's impressive try. Davis, visibly distressed, reported the incident while play continued. Phil Gould, commenting on the Nine Network broadcast, highlighted the referee's handling of the situation and Davis's determination to continue playing despite the alleged foul.
Key Moments and Players
Beyond the controversy, the match showcased exceptional talent. Jess Sergis' early try and Isabelle Kelly's powerful performance were crucial for NSW. For Queensland, Tamika Upton's impressive high ball catches provided some respite amidst the Blues' dominance. The electrifying debut of Ellie Johnston, with her two tries, demonstrated the depth of talent in the NSW team. The experienced pairing of Ali Brigginshaw and Tarryn Aiken in the Queensland halves fought hard but couldn't overcome the Blues' intensity.
A Record-Breaking Crowd
A record-breaking crowd of 26,022 fans witnessed the thrilling match, solidifying the growing popularity of Women's State of Origin. This underscores the passion for women's rugby league and the excitement surrounding this year's series.
Looking Ahead
NSW secured a commanding lead in the series. The remaining matches promise more intense battles, with Queensland striving for a comeback. Catch the remaining games live on Nine and 9Now to see if the Maroons can turn the tables! The series continues May 15th in Sydney and concludes May 29th in Newcastle.
