A second-half try-scoring frenzy has seen Queensland take out the 2020 Women’s State of Origin over New South Wales 24-18.
It was a fitting return home for the Maroons, being their first official Women’s State of Origin at home.
Tough defence by both sides kept the score at nil-all for the first 14 minutes, before Tamika Upton scored through a line break and 80 metre run. A perfect kick chase by skipper Kezie Apps helped the Blues to hit back and go into the sheds 6-all.
An error on the attack prevented Queensland from scoring early in the second half, though they converted shortly after when Tarryn Aiken combined with Upton for her second long-range try of the night.
With seventeen minutes to go, a late tackle proved costly for New South Wales when it helped Aiken dart across the line to score her own four-pointer. The Maroons momentum was still clear five minutes later when veteran Steph Hancock scored through a dummy and go.
Eighteen points behind with eleven minutes left on the clock, New South Wales showed no sign of giving up with Tiana Penitani slipping through defenders to lower the gap in the scoreline.
With the clock ticking away, the Blues surged home through tries to Filomina Hanisi and Botille Vette-Welsh, though it was not enough to overcome the relentless Queensland defence.
Broncos five-eighth Tarryn Aiken received the Nellie Doherty Player of the Match in scoring a try and setting up another.
