Queensland has emerged with an impressive victory in the Women’s State of Origin decider, clinching the shield in rain-affected conditions against NSW.
The tone was set in the opening minute of the game as an early error from the Sky Blues gifted the Maroons an easy try and they never looked back.
Shannon Mato closed out an impressive three-game series with another rampaging display in the middle, while centre Evania Pelite was among the other stars.
READ MORE: ‘Way too easy’: Maroons gun ripped for horror show
READ MORE: X-factor call ‘bullied’ Maroons must make to save series
READ MORE: Ashes villain embarrassed in crazy record over
As usual, Wide World of Sports pulls no punches in assessing the impact of all 34 players who took the field for the Origin decider.
QUEENSLAND MAROONS
1. Tamika Upton
Got few chances in attack but was solid in the last line of defence, coming up with a try-saving tackle. Rating: 6
2. Julia Robinson
Was on the spot to score the Maroons’ second try from a grubber kick and ran the ball back well. Rating: 6.5
3. Shenae Ciesiolka
Didn’t see much ball but solid in defence against the dangerous Blues outside backs. Rating: 5.5
4. Evania Pelite
Scored the opening try, made a line break and ran for 135 metres in a fine attacking display. Rating: 8
5. Emmanita Paki
Only made three runs but kept her opposite, the dangerous Jaime Chapman, quiet for most of the night. Rating: 5.5
6. Tarryn Aiken
The most dangerous player on the field, putting on two tries and taking the right options – except for a late intercept when the game was over. Rating: 8.5
7. Ali Brigginshaw
Her experience was crucial as the Maroons out-smarted the Blues. Great kicking game including a crucial 40/30. Rating: 8
8. Shannon Mato
Clinched the player of the series award with 150 run metres – the most by any player from either side. Rating: 7.5
9. Lauren Brown
Dangerous out of dummyhalf and kicked a couple of good-pressure goals. Rating: 7
10. Jessika Elliston
Started the game strongly, with her powerful bursts putting the Queenslanders on the front foot. Rating: 7
11. Tazmin Rapana
Last year’s player of the series was again prominent, running for over 100 metres and then scoring the try that clinched the series. Rating: 7.5
12. Romy Teitzel
A busy performance in the Maroons pack, showing a fine motor by going for the full 70 minutes. Rating: 6
13. Keilee Joseph
Ran straight and hard to come up with 125 running metres, many of which were post-contact as the Blues struggled to contain her. Rating: 7
14. Emma Manzelmann
Only got 13 minutes but showed a spark out of dummy-half and is one to watch in the future. Rating: 4
15. Makenzie Weale
Played her part in the Maroons’ strong defensive effort when given her chance for 30 minutes off the bench. Rating: 5
16. Sophie Holyman
Only got 20 minutes and had few chances, but didn’t let the side down. Rating: 4
17. Chelsea Lenarduzzi
A handful off the bench, almost scoring a try and producing a late try assist. Rating: 6
Watch the 2024 State of Origin series exclusively live and free on Nine and 9Now.
NSW SKY BLUES
1. Emma Tonegato
On a tough night for fullbacks, made several errors including one that led to a Maroons try when she fumbled a grubber. Rating: 4
2. Jaime Chapman
Scored the Blues’ only try with a sparkling 80-metre intercept… sadly it was too little, too late. Rating: 6
3. Jessica Sergis
A dangerous player but was well contained by the Maroons’ defence, never able to work up a head of steam. Rating: 4.5
4. Isabelle Kelly
Tried hard in a beaten backline, running for over 100 metres without ever being able to find any open space. Rating: 6
5. Tiana Penitani
Barely got a chance at the end of the Blues backline but still managed to grind out over 100 running metres. Rating: 5
6. Corban Baxter
Had little impact with the ball in hand and was easily contained by the w-disciplined Maroon wall. Rating: 4.5
7. Rachael Pearson
Needed to step up and lead the Blues attack but wasn’t up to the task. Took poor options and kicked badly. Rating: 4
8. Millie Elliott
Led the Blues’ tackle count and was the one Blues forward to trouble the Maroons up the middle. Rating: 6.5
9. Olivia Higgins
Failed to worry the Maroons out of dummy-half, making just three runs for 17 metres. Rating: 4
10. Caitlan Johnston
Ran the ball hard, slipped a couple of good offloads and hit hard in defence. Rating: 6
11. Kezie Apps
Another of the Blues’ big guns who failed to fire. Missed a tackle that let in the first try and did little with the ball. Rating: 4
12. Yasmin Clydsdale
Put in a solid shift, she looked like breaking the line a couple of times but the Maroons held firm. Rating: 5.5
13. Olivia Kernick
Had some good moments, making yardage with her smart footwork and working hard in defence. Rating: 6
14. Taliah Fuimaono
Added little impact from the bench, making a mere one run for five metres. Rating: 2
15. Keeley Davis
Lifted the Blues’ defensive intensity when she got her chance off the bench but did little in attack. Rating: 5
16. Grace Kemp
Made three handling errors, then gave away a penalty with a cheap shot out of frustration. Didn’t help her team. Rating: 2
17. Sarah Togatuki
Got 25 minutes of game time and did add some energy to the Blues’ pack when she got her chance. Rating: 5.5