A decisive field goal from Lauren Brown sealed Queensland’s surprise 11-10 defeat of NSW in the second State of Origin game, leveling the opening three-match women’s series in exciting circumstances.
The Sky Blues dominated most of Thursday night’s match at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium, played in pouring rain before a record crowd of 25,782 fans.
But after five-eighth Tarryn Aiken went ahead with a try that helped level the scores in the final 10 minutes, utility Brown stepped up to score a field goal from 25 yards out.
The ultimate goal means the first three-match Origin women’s match will end with a decider at Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium on June 27.
The huge audience turnout broke the sport’s previous viewership record, which had been set at 25,492 for the first game.
The Maroons’ Ali Brigginshaw and the Maroons’ Keilee Joseph hug after winning game two of the Women’s State of Origin series.
Maroons’ Jessika Elliston and Shannon Mato celebrate victory in game two of the Women’s State of Origin series
Kezie Apps of the Blues is tackled by Queensland Maroons before incredible Maroons win
Maroons’ Sienna Lofipo tackled during game in front of record crowd
The Blues’ Keeley Davis scores a try in the pouring rain during the second game of the Women’s State of Origin
Julia Robinson of the Maroons celebrates the team’s victory during game two at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium
Channel Nine commentators were amazed by Queensland’s move.
“What a moment, with all the pressure in the world on his shoulders, he did it,” Allana Ferguson said.
Phil Gould said: ‘Origin continues to work miracles.
‘Can you believe it? They haven’t looked like winners all night. That’s not a field goal, it’s a miracle. They have gritted their teeth and gritted and never given up.
“Their Queensland spirit shines through.”