In a stunning display of skill and determination, NSW thrashed Queensland 32-12 in the women’s State of Origin series opener on Thursday night, May 1, 2025, marking a triumphant start to John Strange's coaching tenure. The match, held at Suncorp Stadium, attracted a record crowd of 26,022, the largest ever for a women's Origin game, showcasing the growing popularity of women's rugby league.
Strange, who took over as coach after a disappointing 2024 series defeat, made significant changes to the team. Notably, he shifted Sharks centre Tiana Penitani Gray to five-eighth, a position she had never played at either the NRLW or Origin level. In his first game in charge, Strange named four debutants, axed incumbent halfback Rach Pearson, and stripped Kezie Apps of the captaincy.
"She could be footballer of the year. Tiana is a footballer," Strange said, defending his decision to move Penitani Gray from her familiar position. "I know she has played predominantly in the centres. She played a bit of fullback in her early days. She can pass both ways really well. She is a great runner, and she understands the game." Despite the positional change, Penitani Gray had limited opportunities to shine, as most of the action flowed through new halfback Jesse Southwell.
Southwell's control of the game was nothing short of game-defining. She was instrumental in setting up three of NSW's tries, including the opening score by Jess Sergis within the first four minutes. The combination of Southwell with captain Isabelle Kelly and second-rower Yasmin Clydsdale proved lethal, as Kelly crashed over for a try before Jayme Fressard scored twice down the left wing.
Ellie Johnston put the Blues on the path to victory with a crucial go-ahead try, burrowing over with 20 minutes to play. Fullback Abbi Church, another debutant, sealed the victory later in the set, scoring as Southwell delivered the final pass. The Blues finished the match with their biggest-ever women’s Origin win, a significant turnaround from last year's series loss.
However, the match was not without controversy. NSW hooker Keeley Davis made headlines by alleging she was eye-gouged just before Kelly's second try, lodging an official complaint with referee Belinda Sharpe. Davis did not disclose the identity of the player she accused. Meanwhile, Penitani Gray also found herself under scrutiny after pulling Queensland fullback Tamika Upton's hair during a late first-half break.
Despite the controversies, the Blues' performance was commendable. Southwell's ability to control the left edge allowed her teammates to shine, and her leadership on the field was evident. Although she missed three conversion attempts, her contributions were pivotal in securing the win.
Queensland, on the other hand, faced challenges throughout the match. They struggled to contain NSW's attacking prowess and were unable to capitalize on their opportunities. One of their debutants, Jasmine Peters, suffered a game-ending head knock after colliding with Sarah Togatuki just before halftime. Fortunately, she is expected to clear concussion protocols in time for the next game in Sydney on May 15, 2025.
As the dust settles on this match, NSW will look to build on their momentum as they aim to reclaim the Origin shield for the first time since 2022. With two more matches to play, the Blues are poised to host the final two games of the series, providing them with a significant advantage.
Captain Isabelle Kelly expressed optimism about the team's future, stating, "It was hard. Obviously, we haven't reflected on that too much this year, which has been really good because it's a new year, new coach, a lot of new players, new-look team." The bookmakers have installed NSW as slight favorites for the series, a testament to their impressive performance in the opener.
With the excitement of the Origin series in full swing, fans are eagerly anticipating the next clash. The atmosphere in Sydney is sure to be electric as NSW seeks to continue their winning ways and solidify their dominance in women's rugby league.
