Young gun's field goal, Sergis try seal victory for NSW

A clutch field goal off the right boot of young gun Jesse Southwell gave NSW a one-point buffer in the dying minutes of the State of Origin opener on Thursday night.

And a Jessica Sergis try on the stroke of full-time sweetened the taste of victory for the Blues, who defeated the Queensland Maroons 11-6 in a triumphant start to their title defence in front of a 20,179-strong crowd.

A 6-6 deadlock was broken with seven minutes remaining in the Newcastle clash when Southwell, the 21-year-old halfback who's just signed with the Broncos, slotted a field goal from 20 metres out.

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Southwell, who called McDonald Jones Stadium home during her decorated time with the Knights, knocked over the field goal and immediately urged her teammates to remain level-headed. It was a sign of maturity beyond years.

When Sergis split through a disjointed Queensland defence on the right edge in the dying seconds, the NSW players erupted in celebration, as did Blues supporters.

Watch the 2026 Women's State of Origin series live and free on Nine and 9Now.

"She nails the moment, Jesse Southwell," former NSW star Allana Ferguson said on Nine of Southwell's field goal.

"Have a look at that ball drop, and just hit it as sweet as it gets. That's as good as a drop goal gets."

Queensland icon Cameron Smith hailed the brilliant No.7 as "the most consistent kicker in the women's game".

"She just nailed that opportunity," he said.

With 10 seconds remaining and the Blues on an attacking raid deep in Maroons territory, the ball was thrown out to the right.

Queensland winger Julia Robinson burst out of the line in a desperate attempt for an intercept, but Sergis gobbled up the ball and zig-zagged through a fractured defensive line.

Ecstatic, the Roosters gun dived over the line and sprung back to her feet, her teammates mobbing her as cheers, roars and flame machines electrified the venue.

In a highly physical affair in the Hunter, the left ankle of Blues captain Isabelle Kelly bent into a nasty position as she was brought down in a tackle with 12 minutes to go.

She grimaced in agony as she was brought down, but was strapped heavily and soldiered on, playing out the game.

Queensland lost two players to head injuries in front-rower Makenzie Weale and lock Keilee Joseph.

Speaking to NSW legend Brad Fittler on the field post-game, Southwell did a fine job of summing up the match – and praised the state of women's rugby league.

"That's probably the fastest game I've ever played, and definitely the toughest game I've ever played," Southwell said.

"It was end-to-end and Queensland didn't let up.

"I think it just goes to show what the women's game is doing. It was a great Origin game."

Kelly gave Southwell a big rap.

"Seriously, every time we're in our training sessions she's doing the one-percenters before and after training, she's asking Strangey [Blues coach John Strange] all the one per cent questions, she's just doing everything right," she said.

"And she's such a young talent that she's going to have so many years in this arena.

"For myself as an older player getting to play with her, it's really exciting. She's so good to watch."

Blues back-rower Yasmin Meakes claimed player of the match.

NSW will clinch the series if they beat Queensland in game two at Suncorp Stadium on May 14.