NSW Blues' historic State of Origin series win turns the tide on women's rugby league
When the tide turns for NSW it seems to happen in torrential rain. Forty years ago, when the Blues men's side finally beat the Maroons to clinch a first State of Origin shield, the image enshrined in history was NSW captain Steve Mortimer sinking to his knees in the SCG mud and bellowing sweet victory to the heavens.
Now, in another downpour, the Blues women's side have made their own history in the slop of a Sydney stadium. Having endured the catastrophe of letting a 1-0 series lead slip last year, NSW made no so much mistake this time, ruthlessly putting Queensland to the sword to win Game 2 by 26-6 and claim a first Women's Origin series decided across multiple matches.
This was redemption writ large. The Blues' win was marshalled by a red-hot halfback whose Origin debut as a teenager in 2023 had been soured by a controversial axing last year. Yet under new NSW coach John Strange, the now 20-year-old Jesse Southwell stole the show, defying the pouring rain to have the ball on a string connected to her kicking feet and magic hands all night. Queensland just couldn't unpuzzle her.
Of course, every maestro pulling the strings needs a troupe of trombones in kahoots. Southwell had several warhorses galloping off her hip all evening. Veteran forward Simaima Taufa has 10-years frontline experience. The 30-year-old says very little off the field but her actions spoke loud at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night, charging at the Maroons like a Sherman tank.
Olivia Kernick was right by Taufa's side. Still with a point to prove after being overlooked for the Australia Test team despite winning the 2024 NRLW Dally M Medal, the Tweed Heads lock was adjudged player of the match for a mighty performance which included two powerful tries, 236 running metres and 35 tackles (no misses) in a dominant showing in the middle.
To call Yasmin Clydsdale a warhorse would be too obvious. The 31-year-old teacher from Newcastle gave up a fulltime job at Scone Grammar to chase Origin glory. And when the series was there to be won, Clydesdale was every inch the thoroughbred. This trio of power athletes battered the Maroons until they broke into 13 pieces.
The synergy between these Blues warriors was all the more incredible for the fact they have had no NRLW games to tune up for the toughest challenge in the game. Instead, 'Doctor' Strange and his brilliant coaching assistant Ruan Sims – a former Wallaroo, Jillaroo, Origin legend and junior gumboot throwing champion – had to knit their side in training drills and team camps. Strange told them a successful tackle was no longer enough. Sims told them they must win every collision, every moment.
Queensland barely fired a shot all night, although they led 6-0 early when Tamika Upton scrambled over in pursuit of a kick. Even that seemed an anomaly. Upton didn't celebrate and nor did her teammates. So certain were the Maroons that the ball hadn't been grounded, they retreated to their half. When the Bunker gave a green light they looked slightly embarrassed.
Last year, Queensland did what Queenslanders do. They fought back from a Game 1 pummelling and a six-point deficit at halftime in the sequel to squeak a series-equalling victory from a Lauren Brown field goal. Shocked, the Blues blinked first, heading to Townsville and watching the series snatched away in a 22-6 drubbing.
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This series win is also a victory for women's rugby league who needed a light on the hill after being cut from the NRL's Las Vegas showcase in 2026. Apparently the Jillaroo's 90-4 win over Great Britain in March wasn't a good look for a game trying to crack the US. The solution for 2027 came subtle as a thunderclap last night: Origin.
Take women's State of Origin to America and rugby league stands a chance of stealing a march on rugby union who are staging Rugby World Cups in the US in 2031 (men's) and 2033 (women's). Although the 15-a-side game has the edge at international level, the provincial grudge matches are where the NRL can echo NFL tribalism and thrive.
For now, let the rain fall because the names of NSW's heroes won't be washed away. Like Mortimer and his ragtag band back in 1985, the 2025 Blues can rise knowing history has been made and a dynasty is there to be built in years to come. Hell, if they bring the storm to Vegas, they may even blaze a trail across the world.
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