New South Wales drew first blood in the historic three-match Women's State of Origin series against Queensland with a 22-12 win in enemy territory.
In front of a record crowd of 25,492 at Suncorp Stadium, the Blues raced out of the blocks to establish an early lead and never looked troubled as they grabbed a commanding victory.
Attention now turns to a must-win clash for the Maroons at McDonald Jones Stadium on Thursday, June 6.
NRLW NEWS: NRLW Draw - Full 9-round fixtures and schedule for every club
Women's State of Origin 2024: Team lists for New South Wales and Queensland in Game 2
Women's NSW predicted team for Game 2:
1. Emma Tonegato
2. Jaime Chapman
3. Jessica Sergis
4. Isabelle Kelly
5. Tiana Penitani
6. Corban Baxter
7. Rachael Pearson
8. Millie Elliott
9. Olivia Higgins
10. Caitlan Johnston
11. Yasmin Clydsdale
12. Kezie Apps
13. Olivia Kernick
14. Taliah Fuimaono
15. Keeley Davis
16. Grace Kemp
17. Sarah Togatuki
NSW Sky Blues team news:
Jaime Chapman was instrumental for the Sky Blues in the opening match as her powerful carries left the opposition in sixes and sevens.
The Titans flyer will continue in an All-Star backline with Roosters pair Jessica Sergis and Isabelle Kelly to be named in the centres.
Kylie Hilder took a risk with her halves partnership of Corban Baxter and Rachael Pearson but it paid off handsomely with the duo linking together well.
Baxter was put on report during the opener for a late tackle but will be free to play in Newcastle with an early guilty plea.
Yasmin Clydsdale claimed Player of the Match honours for her display in Game I with the backrower running for 162 metres, making one linebreak while completing 24 tackles.
Keeley Davis was named at lock but dropped back to the bench for Olivia Kernick with Davis likely to start off the bench in Game II.
Millie Elliott and Caitlan Johnston joined forces up front with the former making a game-high 33 tackles and the latter crossing for a four-pointer and making two linebreaks.
Olivia Higgins debuted at hooker with the Newcastle star joined by fellow debutant Grace Kemp in the 17.
The duo are likely to keep their spots in the side in an unchanged side for NSW with Jakiya Whitfeld waiting for her opportunity in the reserves.
Women's QLD predicted team for Game 2:
1. Tamika Upton
2. Julia Robinson
3. Shenae Ciesiolka
4. Evania Pelite
5. Emily Bass
6. Tarryn Aiken
7. Zahara Temara
8. Shannon Mato
9. Destiny Brill
10. Jessika Elliston
11. Tazmin Rapana
12. Romy Teitzel
13. Ali Brigginshaw
14. Emma Manzelmann
15. Sophie Holyman
16. Lauren Brown
17. Makenzie Weale
QLD Maroons team news:
Tahnee Norris will have to decide whether to stick strong with her side or try and make some changes following their defeat.
The coach opted to remain loyal to last year’s victors in her selections for the opener and may remain steadfast in her belief the side can push the series to a decider in Game III.
Tamika Upton crossed for her customary try in the second half but couldn’t turn things around for her side in Brisbane.
The fullback was the only player in the backline who didn’t make an error, with the likes of Evania Pelite and Julia Robinson guilty of making multiple mistakes although the duo did work tirelessly out of yardage.
Zahara Temara was put on report for a hip drop in the opening exchanges but will be free to play with an early guilty plea.
Shannon Mato was strong for the Maroons in the forward pack as she topped her side with 155 run metres with 80 of those coming post-contact.
Skipper Ali Brigginshaw had a captain’s knock at lock as she topped her side’s tackle count with 28 for the match while she also ran for over 100 metres.
Makenzie Weale made her Origin debut off the bench after being a late addition to the 17 and could keep her spot with fellow rookies Sienna Lofipo - who was listed as 18th player for the opener - and Skyla Adams in with a shot of getting a call-up for the second instalment of the series.
Women's State of Origin 2024 schedule
DATE | GAME | VENUE | RESULT |
May 16 | I | Suncorp Stadium | QLD 12 def. by NSW 22 |
June 6 | II | McDonald Jones Stadium | |
June 27 | III | Queensland Country Bank Stadium |
How to watch Women's State of Origin 2024
The women’s Origin series will be broadcast live and exclusively on the Nine network.
This means that the games will be shown on one of Nine's channels and will also be available via 9Now.