A clutch field goal from Lauren Brown has sealed Queensland’s 11-10 upset defeat of NSW in the second State of Origin game, levelling the inaugural women’s three-match series in thrilling circumstances.
The Sky Blues had dominated the majority of Thursday night’s game at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium, played in pouring rain before a record crowd of 25,782 fans.
But after five-eighth Tarryn Aiken scythed over with a try that helped level the scores in the final 10 minutes, utility Brown stepped up to slot a field goal from 25 metres out.
The final goal means the first women’s three-game Origin match will finish with a decider at Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium on June 27.
The massive audience turnout broke the sport’s previous spectator record, which was set at 25,492 at game one.
Ali Brigginshaw of the Maroons and Keilee Joseph of the Maroons embrace after winning game two of the Women’s State of Origin series
Jessika Elliston and Shannon Mato of the Maroons celebrate winning game two of the Women’s State of Origin series
Kezie Apps of the Blues is tackled by Queensland Maroons ahead of the Maroons’ incredible win
Sienna Lofipo of the Maroons is tackled during game in front of a record-breaking audience
Keeley Davis of the Blues scores a try in the pouring rain during game two of the Women’s State of Origin
Julia Robinson of the Maroons celebrates the teams win during game two at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium
The Channel Nine’s commentators were astonished by Queensland’s play.
‘What a moment, with all the pressure in the world on her shoulders, she slots it,’ Allana Ferguson said.
Phil Gould said: ‘Origin continues to deliver miracles.
‘Can you believe that? They haven’t looked like winners all night. That’s not a field goal, that’s a miracle. They have gritted their teeth and grinded away and never give up.
‘Their Queensland spirit shines through.’
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