Queensland Origin star slams the bizarre way series was decided – and fans are backing her: ‘It’s crap, isn’t it? I think everyone here deserves better’
- Tamika Upton was left fuming at women’s Origin format
- Two-game series left players and fans feeling empty
- Queensland won series based on points aggregate
- Upton didn’t mince her words after game two
Queensland State of Origin star Tamika Upton has slammed the bizarre way the series was decided, declaring the current two-game format is ‘crap and everyone deserves better’ despite the fact the Maroons snared the title on Thursday night.
And the fullback – who scored a trademark slashing try in the first half – has plenty of fans who feel the same, if social media is any guide.
The Maroons hoisted the interstate shield based on points aggregate – even though they lost 18-14 to the Blues in Townsville.
NSW were defeated 18-10 in game one in Sydney earlier this month, meaning they had to win by at least nine points to claim the series on aggregate points.
In previous years, the women’s Origin was decided based on one clash – and now calls are increasing for the series to be held across three matches.
Queensland Origin star Tamika Upton (pictured, middle) has slammed the bizarre way the series was decided, declaring post-game the current format is ‘crap and everyone deserves better’
NSW centre Jess Sergis also felt hollow at the final whistle – despite the Blues winning game two 18-14 in Townsville
‘It’s crap, isn’t it? I think everyone here deserves better,’ Upton told the ABC.
‘We appreciate the extra game, but results like that make you wonder if you’d prefer to just play the one game. It’s tough as a competitor.’
Gun NSW centre Jess Sergis also felt hollow at the final whistle.
‘It is a bizarre feeling and so frustrating,’ she said.
‘If we had a three-game series this was our chance to get redemption and we would have had one more to take it out and win it, but we only got the two games.’
On Twitter, the lack of a third game was a huge talking point.
‘Crazy how we have to endure a third men’s origin and watch NSW [potentially] lose a game that doesn’t even matter…but we can’t get a decider for the women’s game we [NSW] could actually win,’ sports presenter lavender Baj tweeted.
Another fan posted: ‘Tamika is right. It’s the epitome of disrespect from the NRL, not providing 3 games. There’s no justification.’
‘Absolutely moronic decision to only have 2 games for #WomensOrigin series … Citing player welfare and growth is a cop out. The girls deserve better,’ wrote a third supporter.
‘She’s [Upton] right. It’s the epitome of disrespect from the NRL, not providing 3 games. There’s no justification,’ added a fourth fan.
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