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SportNRLState of Origin

This was published 2 years ago

Sky Blues win series opener with 22-12 victory at Suncorp Stadium

Billie Eder and Andrew Webster
Updated ,first published

Key Posts

Sky Blues in box seat heading into game two
Full time: Sky Blues 22, Maroons 12
Bass gets Maroons more points in final moments of the game
Johnston puts last nail in the coffin for Queensland
Maroons on the board with try for Upton
Chapman scores 80-metre try
NSW strikes first with try for Tonegato
Origin 2024 under way at Suncorp Stadium

Sky Blues in box seat heading into game two

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The Sky Blues are in the box seat to take out the inaugural three-game women’s State of Origin series after a convincing 22-12 victory over Queensland in the series opener at Suncorp Stadium.

Behind enemy lines, the Sky Blues shrugged off concerns prompted by a new halves combination and lack of competitive matches in the lead-up to Thursday night.

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Coach Kylie Hilder, who walked into the press conference room beaming alongside skipper Isabelle Kelly, said it was a faultless performance from her team.

“It was just an outstanding team performance,” Hilder said. “Couldn’t fault anyone. Everyone got out there tonight and just did their job and turned up for each other. Really, really proud of the effort of the girls tonight.”

Yasmin Clydsdale wins player of the match.

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A line break, 162 run metres, 49 post-contact metres and three tackle breaks - Blues forward Yasmin Clydsdale is tonight’s player of the match.

Speaking after the match, Clydsdale said she loved the electricity on Thursday night.

“It’s amazing, I’m super stoked that there are three games though, it’s my favourite game of the year,” Clydsdale said.

“I feel like we’re creating a legacy here, being the first game of the three game series.”

Yasmin Clydsdale is the game one player of the match.Getty

Full-time statistics

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Full time: Sky Blues 22, Maroons 12

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That’s a massive win for NSW - a three game series with two of the matches in Queensland, they have one hand on the trophy with a victory in Brisbane tonight.

The start of the match proved to be the difference. Tarryn Aiken just said it herself, NSW came out the blocks firing, and the Maroons were shell shocked.

A noble effort from Tamika Upton and Emily Bass to get the Maroons back in the game in the second half, but the Sky Blues were the better team tonight.

The Sky Blues celebrate after Emma Tonegato scores first.Getty

Webby at Suncorp

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Bass gets Maroons more points in final moments of the game

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As if the final minutes needed any more excitement, the Maroons hit back with a try for Emily Bass.

The kick from Tarryn Aiken pops over the top and tumbles between the legs of Jaime Chapman. Bass scoops up the ball and scores.

I think it’s too little too late from Queensland though, but definitely a few lessons to take into game two in Newcastle.

Sky Blues 22, Maroons 12 with two minutes to

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Johnston puts last nail in the coffin for Queensland

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A fantastic pass from Olivia Higgins at dummy-half, and Caitlan Johnston bursts over for a try.

You’d think that pretty much seals the deal for NSW with just four minutes left on the clock.

Sky Blues 22, Maroons 6 with four minutes to go

Caitlan Johnston scores for the Sky Blues.Getty

Manzelmann loses ball over the line as Maroons have late surge

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We’re seeing a late resurgence from Queensland.

Tamika Upton, Emma Manzelmann and Tarryn Aiken are getting tricky with their ball play, and NSW have been on the back foot for the last 15 minutes.

Speaking on Manzelmann, she looks certain to score, but drops the ball over the line.

Sky Blues 16, Maroons 6 with nine minutes to go

Maroons on the board with try for Upton

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Queensland get their first points, and who else gets them but Tamika Upton.

She’s a try-scoring machine, and if anyone could inspire a Maroons comeback, it’s her.

A special shoutout to Emma Manzelmann who has totally shifted the momentum into Queensland’s favour since she came on at dummy-half.

Sky Blues 16, Maroons 6 after 55 minutes

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Webby at Suncorp

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