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Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NSW Blues' historic Origin series win turns the tide for women's rugby league
When the tide turns for NSW it seems to happen in torrential rain. Forty years ago, when the Blues men's side finally beat the Maroons to clinch a first State of Origin shield, the image enshrined in history was NSW captain Steve Mortimer sinking to his knees in the SCG mud and bellowing sweet victory to the heavens. Now, in another downpour, the Blues women's side have made their own history in the slop of a Sydney stadium. Having endured the catastrophe of letting a 1-0 series lead slip last year, NSW made no so much mistake this time, ruthlessly putting Queensland to the sword to win Game 2 by 26-6 and claim a first Women's Origin series decided across multiple matches. Advertisement Related: NSW Blues wrap up Origin series with rain-soaked win over Queensland Maroons This was redemption writ large. The Blues' win was marshalled by a red-hot halfback whose Origin debut as a teenager in 2023 had been soured by a controversial axing last year. Yet under new NSW coach John Strange, the now 20-year-old Jesse Southwell stole the show, defying the pouring rain to have the ball on a string connected to her kicking feet and magic hands all night. Queensland just couldn't unpuzzle her. Of course, every maestro pulling the strings needs a troupe of trombones in kahoots. Southwell had several warhorses galloping off her hip all evening. Veteran forward Simaima Taufa has 10-years frontline experience. The 30-year-old says very little off the field but her actions spoke loud at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night, charging at the Maroons like a Sherman tank. Olivia Kernick was right by Taufa's side. Still with a point to prove after being overlooked for the Australia Test team despite winning the 2024 NRLW Dally M Medal, the Tweed Heads lock was adjudged player of the match for a mighty performance which included two powerful tries, 236 running metres and 35 tackles (no misses) in a dominant showing in the middle. Advertisement To call Yasmin Clydsdale a warhorse would be too obvious. The 31-year-old teacher from Newcastle gave up a fulltime job at Scone Grammar to chase Origin glory. And when the series was there to be won, Clydesdale was every inch the thoroughbred. This trio of power athletes battered the Maroons until they broke into 13 pieces. The synergy between these Blues warriors was all the more incredible for the fact they have had no NRLW games to tune up for the toughest challenge in the game. Instead, 'Doctor' Strange and his brilliant coaching assistant Ruan Sims – a former Wallaroo, Jillaroo, Origin legend and junior gumboot throwing champion – had to knit their side in training drills and team camps. Strange told them a successful tackle was no longer enough. Sims told them they must win every collision, every moment. Queensland barely fired a shot all night, although they led 6-0 early when Tamika Upton scrambled over in pursuit of a kick. Even that seemed an anomaly. Upton didn't celebrate and nor did her teammates. So certain were the Maroons that the ball hadn't been grounded, they retreated to their half. When the Bunker gave a green light they looked slightly embarrassed. Last year, Queensland did what Queenslanders do. They fought back from a Game 1 pummelling and a six-point deficit at halftime in the sequel to squeak a series-equalling victory from a Lauren Brown field goal. Shocked, the Blues blinked first, heading to Townsville and watching the series snatched away in a 22-6 drubbing. Advertisement Related: State of Origin success shows women's rugby league deserves to stand tall on its own | Ruan Sims This series win is also a victory for women's rugby league who needed a light on the hill after being cut from the NRL's Las Vegas showcase in 2026. Apparently the Jillaroo's 90-4 win over Great Britain in March wasn't a good look for a game trying to crack the US. The solution for 2027 came subtle as a thunderclap last night: Origin. Take women's State of Origin to America and rugby league stands a chance of stealing a march on rugby union who are staging Rugby World Cups in the US in 2031 (men's) and 2033 (women's). Although the 15-a-side game has the edge at international level, the provincial grudge matches are where the NRL can echo NFL tribalism and thrive. For now, let the rain fall because the names of NSW's heroes won't be washed away. Like Mortimer and his ragtag band back in 1985, the 2025 Blues can rise knowing history has been made and a dynasty is there to be built in years to come. Hell, if they bring the storm to Vegas, they may even blaze a trail across the world.
The Advertiser
15-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Kernick stars as Blues claim women's Origin series
Olivia Kernick is the toast of NSW after the Blues lock powered her state to a women's State of Origin series victory in a 26-6 win over Queensland. Kernick scored two tries and set up another on Thursday night as the Blues inflicted more misery on the Maroons to win game two. The 24-year-old, who was controversially overlooked for the Australian Test team after winning last year's NRLW Dally M Medal, came to the fore on a dour, rain-soaked evening in front of 16,026 fans at Allianz Stadium. Kernick clocked up 169m as the Blues claimed the series with a game to spare. "I had a feeling tonight she was going to shine, and I thought she led our forward pack really well," said Blues captain Isabelle Kelly. "She opens up every space for everyone to be honest especially when she runs." Leading 2-0, John Strange's side can seal the first series whitewash with victory at Newcastle's McDonald Jones Stadium on May 29. The 2025 series is only the second three-game series in the history of women's Origin. "Every game that we go into we want to win, it doesn't matter whether it's 1-0 or 2-0," said Strange. "The goal was to win the series but I was really impressed with how we played, that's what I am really proud of." Tamika Upton scored the Maroons' only try of the night in the sixth minute and that was about as good as it got for Queensland. The Maroons forward pack were dominated and their struggles for territory were compounded when Upton hobbled off in the second half, leaving a question mark over her fitness heading into game three. "It was obviously disappointing to lose her in that second half," said Queensland coach Tahnee Norris. "She held on for as long as she could but I think we'll have to wait for the scans and see how she tracks over the next 48 hours." Queensland's try came after a rare mistake from Kernick who failed to cleanly gather a Lauren Brown grubberkick, with Upton swooping on the loose ball. But Kernick picked her moments for revenge and when she struck she did with both power and panache. First she set up an on-rushing Simaima Taufa, who ran a sharp line and bumped off a host of covering Maroons to draw the Blues level. Then Kernick went herself, crashing through three tackles and palming off Upton to score under the posts to give NSW a 12-6 halftime lead. Halfback Jesse Southwell was a major reason the Blues were able to turn the screw in the second half. The playmaker trapped Queensland in-goal with a crossfield kick early in the stanza and off the ensuing set Southwell's cutout was the catalyst for winger Jayme Fressard to score in the corner. Then the Blues other winger Jaime Chapman breezed in on the right flank to put NSW on the brink of a series crown. Any chance Queensland had of clawing their way back into the game evaporated when Upton hobbled off. The fullback tried to play on after suffering a hamstring injury as she came across to prevent Chapman's try but eventually succumbed to the pain. Kernick then crashed in for her second try with eight minutes left to put the game beyond Queensland's reach. Olivia Kernick is the toast of NSW after the Blues lock powered her state to a women's State of Origin series victory in a 26-6 win over Queensland. Kernick scored two tries and set up another on Thursday night as the Blues inflicted more misery on the Maroons to win game two. The 24-year-old, who was controversially overlooked for the Australian Test team after winning last year's NRLW Dally M Medal, came to the fore on a dour, rain-soaked evening in front of 16,026 fans at Allianz Stadium. Kernick clocked up 169m as the Blues claimed the series with a game to spare. "I had a feeling tonight she was going to shine, and I thought she led our forward pack really well," said Blues captain Isabelle Kelly. "She opens up every space for everyone to be honest especially when she runs." Leading 2-0, John Strange's side can seal the first series whitewash with victory at Newcastle's McDonald Jones Stadium on May 29. The 2025 series is only the second three-game series in the history of women's Origin. "Every game that we go into we want to win, it doesn't matter whether it's 1-0 or 2-0," said Strange. "The goal was to win the series but I was really impressed with how we played, that's what I am really proud of." Tamika Upton scored the Maroons' only try of the night in the sixth minute and that was about as good as it got for Queensland. The Maroons forward pack were dominated and their struggles for territory were compounded when Upton hobbled off in the second half, leaving a question mark over her fitness heading into game three. "It was obviously disappointing to lose her in that second half," said Queensland coach Tahnee Norris. "She held on for as long as she could but I think we'll have to wait for the scans and see how she tracks over the next 48 hours." Queensland's try came after a rare mistake from Kernick who failed to cleanly gather a Lauren Brown grubberkick, with Upton swooping on the loose ball. But Kernick picked her moments for revenge and when she struck she did with both power and panache. First she set up an on-rushing Simaima Taufa, who ran a sharp line and bumped off a host of covering Maroons to draw the Blues level. Then Kernick went herself, crashing through three tackles and palming off Upton to score under the posts to give NSW a 12-6 halftime lead. Halfback Jesse Southwell was a major reason the Blues were able to turn the screw in the second half. The playmaker trapped Queensland in-goal with a crossfield kick early in the stanza and off the ensuing set Southwell's cutout was the catalyst for winger Jayme Fressard to score in the corner. Then the Blues other winger Jaime Chapman breezed in on the right flank to put NSW on the brink of a series crown. Any chance Queensland had of clawing their way back into the game evaporated when Upton hobbled off. The fullback tried to play on after suffering a hamstring injury as she came across to prevent Chapman's try but eventually succumbed to the pain. Kernick then crashed in for her second try with eight minutes left to put the game beyond Queensland's reach. Olivia Kernick is the toast of NSW after the Blues lock powered her state to a women's State of Origin series victory in a 26-6 win over Queensland. Kernick scored two tries and set up another on Thursday night as the Blues inflicted more misery on the Maroons to win game two. The 24-year-old, who was controversially overlooked for the Australian Test team after winning last year's NRLW Dally M Medal, came to the fore on a dour, rain-soaked evening in front of 16,026 fans at Allianz Stadium. Kernick clocked up 169m as the Blues claimed the series with a game to spare. "I had a feeling tonight she was going to shine, and I thought she led our forward pack really well," said Blues captain Isabelle Kelly. "She opens up every space for everyone to be honest especially when she runs." Leading 2-0, John Strange's side can seal the first series whitewash with victory at Newcastle's McDonald Jones Stadium on May 29. The 2025 series is only the second three-game series in the history of women's Origin. "Every game that we go into we want to win, it doesn't matter whether it's 1-0 or 2-0," said Strange. "The goal was to win the series but I was really impressed with how we played, that's what I am really proud of." Tamika Upton scored the Maroons' only try of the night in the sixth minute and that was about as good as it got for Queensland. The Maroons forward pack were dominated and their struggles for territory were compounded when Upton hobbled off in the second half, leaving a question mark over her fitness heading into game three. "It was obviously disappointing to lose her in that second half," said Queensland coach Tahnee Norris. "She held on for as long as she could but I think we'll have to wait for the scans and see how she tracks over the next 48 hours." Queensland's try came after a rare mistake from Kernick who failed to cleanly gather a Lauren Brown grubberkick, with Upton swooping on the loose ball. But Kernick picked her moments for revenge and when she struck she did with both power and panache. First she set up an on-rushing Simaima Taufa, who ran a sharp line and bumped off a host of covering Maroons to draw the Blues level. Then Kernick went herself, crashing through three tackles and palming off Upton to score under the posts to give NSW a 12-6 halftime lead. Halfback Jesse Southwell was a major reason the Blues were able to turn the screw in the second half. The playmaker trapped Queensland in-goal with a crossfield kick early in the stanza and off the ensuing set Southwell's cutout was the catalyst for winger Jayme Fressard to score in the corner. Then the Blues other winger Jaime Chapman breezed in on the right flank to put NSW on the brink of a series crown. Any chance Queensland had of clawing their way back into the game evaporated when Upton hobbled off. The fullback tried to play on after suffering a hamstring injury as she came across to prevent Chapman's try but eventually succumbed to the pain. Kernick then crashed in for her second try with eight minutes left to put the game beyond Queensland's reach.
West Australian
15-05-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Kernick stars as Blues claim women's Origin series
Olivia Kernick has helped NSW claim the women's State of Origin series with a game to spare after powering the Blues to a 26-6 victory over Queensland. Kernick, who was controversially overlooked for the Australian Test team after winning the 2024 NRLW Dally M Medal, scored two tries and set up another on Thursday night as the Blues inflicted more misery on the Maroons to win game two. After the Blues opened the series with a 32-12 win over Queensland in Brisbane, John Strange's side can look to seal a 3-0 whitewash in the game-three dead rubber at Newcastle's McDonald Jones Stadium on May 29. Kernick came to the fore on a dour, rain-soaked night in front of 16,026 fans at Allianz Stadium. The lock forward led from the front, clocking up a game-high 169 metres and, while her night didn't get off to a great start, she more than made amends. Fighting to keep their hopes of retaining the series alive, the Maroons got an early break when Lauren Brown dabbed a grubberkick into the NSW in-goal. Kernick failed to gather the ball cleanly and Tamika Upton was on hand to touch down for Queensland with an easy kick that Brown converted. But Kernick picked her moments for revenge and when she struck she did with both power and panache. First she set up an on-rushing Simaima Taufa, who ran a sharp line and bumped off a host of covering Maroons to draw the Blues level. Then Kernick went herself, crashing through three tackles and palming off Upton to score under the posts to give NSW a 12-6 halftime lead. Halfback Jesse Southwell was a major reason the Blues were able to turn the screw in the second half. The playmaker trapped Queensland in-goal with a crossfield kick early in the stanza and off the ensuing set Southwell's cutout was the catalyst for winger Jayme Fressard to score in the corner. Then the Blues other winger Jaime Chapman breezed in on the right flank to put NSW on the brink of a series crown. Any chance Queensland had of clawing their way back into the game evaporated when Upton hobbled off. The fullback tried to play on after suffering a hamstring injury as she came across to prevent Chapman's try but eventually succumbed to the pain. Kernick then crashed in for her second try during with eight minutes left to put the game beyond Queensland's reach.
7NEWS
15-05-2025
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Olivia Kernick stamps authority as NSW win women's State of Origin over Queensland
Olivia Kernick has helped NSW claim the women's State of Origin series with a game to spare after powering the Blues to a 26-6 victory over Queensland. Kernick, who was controversially overlooked for the Australian Test team after winning the 2024 NRLW Dally M Medal, scored two tries and set up another on Thursday night as the Blues inflicted more misery on the Maroons to win game two. After the Blues opened the series with a 32-12 win over Queensland in Brisbane, John Strange's side can look to seal a 3-0 whitewash in the game-three dead rubber at Newcastle's McDonald Jones Stadium on May 29. Kernick came to the fore on a dour, rain-soaked night in front of 16,026 fans at Allianz Stadium. The lock forward led from the front, clocking up a game-high 169 metres and, while her night didn't get off to a great start, she more than made amends. Fighting to keep their hopes of retaining the series alive, the Maroons got an early break when Lauren Brown dabbed a grubberkick into the NSW in-goal. Kernick failed to gather the ball cleanly and Tamika Upton was on hand to touch down for Queensland with an easy kick that Brown converted. But Kernick picked her moments for revenge and when she struck she did with both power and panache. First she set up an on-rushing Simaima Taufa, who ran a sharp line and bumped off a host of covering Maroons to draw the Blues level. Then Kernick went herself, crashing through three tackles and palming off Upton to score under the posts to give NSW a 12-6 halftime lead. Halfback Jesse Southwell was a major reason the Blues were able to turn the screw in the second half. The playmaker trapped Queensland in-goal with a crossfield kick early in the stanza and off the ensuing set Southwell's cutout was the catalyst for winger Jayme Fressard to score in the corner. Then the Blues other winger Jaime Chapman breezed in on the right flank to put NSW on the brink of a series crown. Any chance Queensland had of clawing their way back into the game evaporated when Upton hobbled off. The fullback tried to play on after suffering a hamstring injury as she came across to prevent Chapman's try but eventually succumbed to the pain. Kernick then crashed in for her second try during with eight minutes left to put the game beyond Queensland's reach.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kernick stars as Blues claim women's Origin series
Olivia Kernick has helped NSW claim the women's State of Origin series with a game to spare after powering the Blues to a 26-6 victory over Queensland. Kernick, who was controversially overlooked for the Australian Test team after winning the 2024 NRLW Dally M Medal, scored two tries and set up another on Thursday night as the Blues inflicted more misery on the Maroons to win game two. After the Blues opened the series with a 32-12 win over Queensland in Brisbane, John Strange's side can look to seal a 3-0 whitewash in the game-three dead rubber at Newcastle's McDonald Jones Stadium on May 29. Kernick came to the fore on a dour, rain-soaked night in front of 16,026 fans at Allianz Stadium. The lock forward led from the front, clocking up a game-high 169 metres and, while her night didn't get off to a great start, she more than made amends. Fighting to keep their hopes of retaining the series alive, the Maroons got an early break when Lauren Brown dabbed a grubberkick into the NSW in-goal. Kernick failed to gather the ball cleanly and Tamika Upton was on hand to touch down for Queensland with an easy kick that Brown converted. But Kernick picked her moments for revenge and when she struck she did with both power and panache. First she set up an on-rushing Simaima Taufa, who ran a sharp line and bumped off a host of covering Maroons to draw the Blues level. Then Kernick went herself, crashing through three tackles and palming off Upton to score under the posts to give NSW a 12-6 halftime lead. What an effort from Olivia Kernick! 👏#Origin Presented by Swyftx. — NRLW (@NRLWomens) May 15, 2025 Halfback Jesse Southwell was a major reason the Blues were able to turn the screw in the second half. The playmaker trapped Queensland in-goal with a crossfield kick early in the stanza and off the ensuing set Southwell's cutout was the catalyst for winger Jayme Fressard to score in the corner. Then the Blues other winger Jaime Chapman breezed in on the right flank to put NSW on the brink of a series crown. Any chance Queensland had of clawing their way back into the game evaporated when Upton hobbled off. The fullback tried to play on after suffering a hamstring injury as she came across to prevent Chapman's try but eventually succumbed to the pain. Kernick then crashed in for her second try during with eight minutes left to put the game beyond Queensland's reach.
