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The Historical Clean SweepNew South Wales has secured the first whitewash in Women's State of Origin since the series shifted to three matches in 2024, after grinding out a 12-4 victory over Queensland on the Gold Coast in game three. The scoreline flattered the home side, who were clearly second best against the shield holders, and have now lost back-to-back series. But they hung with the Blues until Jayme Fressard's try with 17 minutes to go which proved to be the match-winner.The Decisive MomentThe Blues' fifth-tackle spread looked to be going nowhere, but when the imperious Isabelle Kelly off-loaded to her winger, Fressard capitalised on the Maroons' tired defense. She surged down the inside, slicing up the Queenslanders and sliding across to trigger the Blues' celebrations. The winger told Channel Nine she wanted to make up for an earlier missed opportunity. "I'd seen a few Queenslanders and a big space, and I thought, you know, just back yourself, you've got the speed, so I wasn't bombing that one," Fressard said.Series Statistics and PerformanceThe series result represented an unfortunate opening to the Origin coaching career of Queensland's Nathan Cross, who was brought in this year to replace Tahnee Norris. Despite the 3-0 result, the Maroons were in each contest, and the combined margin across the three matches was just 17 points. Instead, the sweep was another endorsement for John Strange, who has now won five of six matches in the series.Impact on Women's Rugby LeagueEven after Fressard's try pushed the lead to eight, the Blues still had work to do. With seven minutes to go, the Maroons had three successive sets on the Blues line, and both Blues wingers – Fressard and Jaime Chapman – prevented the Maroons from turning grubbers into tries. Though her fellow Blues forward Yasmin Meakes won the player of the series award, lock Olivia Kernick had a night to remember, topping counts for tackles (33) and run metres (199).Future Outlook for Both TeamsDespite the result, the Maroons can have cause for optimism. Five-eighth Chantay Kiria-Ratu only became more confident in her first Origin series, and on Thursday her ball-playing and running began to match her already elite kicking and defense. NSW dominated the first half but took 26 minutes to find the opening try, with Kelly – named player of the match on Thursday – crossing after Southwell ran deep into the Maroons' retreating goalline defense.

The State of Origin Rivalry ContinuesHello and welcome to Game 2 of the women's State of Origin series! Last time it was the Blues with the win in a very tight match, breaking their run of losses in Newcastle and overcoming an early setback when the Maroons scored in the opening minutes of the match.It was a victory the Blues will be happy with, but it was not dominant by any means and coming into the hostile environment of Suncorp Stadium, they will be wary of a resurgent Maroons team. However, Suncorp has not been a happy hunting ground for the Maroons in the past – they have not won a game there since playing under the State of Origin banner. They will be hoping this is the year for breaking home game loss streaks!This match features as part of Magic Round, so there will be plenty of excitement around up in Brisbane, with a festival of rugby league happening all weekend. I'd expect to see a good crowd in, which will be very pro-Queensland.There are a few team changes to discuss, so let's get into it!Team Lineups: NSW Blues1. Abbi Church2. Jaime Chapman3. Jessica Sergis4. Isabelle Kelly (c)5. Jayme Fressard6. Jocelyn Kelleher7. Jesse Southwell8. Millie Elliott14. Olivia Higgins10. Ellie Johnston11. Kezie Apps12. Yasmin Meakes13. Olivia KernickInterchange9. Keeley Nizza15. Kennedy Cherrington16. Rima Butler17. Teagan BerryReserve18. Corban BaxterTeam Lineups: Queensland Maroons1. Tamika Upton2. Julia Robinson3. Rory Owen4. Ivana Lolesio5. Jasmine Peters6. Chantay Kiria-Ratu7. Lauren Brown8. Otesa Pule14. Destiny Brill10. Jessika Elliston11. Sienna Lofipo12. Romy Teitzel13. Keilee JosephInterchange9. Jada Ferguson15. Makenzie Weale16. Brianna Clarke19. Emma ManzelmannReserve17. Shenae CiesiolkaGame 1 RecapIf you want a refresher on Game 1 before we get underway tonight, you're in luck! Jack Snape's match report will take you right back to that fateful night in Newcastle just two short weeks ago. The Marauding Blues held off the luckless Maroons to take the Women's Origin series lead in a closely contested match.