A field goal by Jesse Southwell helped the NSW Blues secure a narrow victory against the QLD Maroons in a tightly contested State of Origin opener on April 30, 2026. The final score was 11-6, with the match held at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.
The game attracted an audience of 20,000 fans. Southwell scored her crucial field goal just six minutes before fulltime. This win marks an important start for the Blues, who had a 2-1 triumph in last year’s series against Queensland.
Yasmin Meakes also shone in the match, making 34 tackles. Her performance drew praise from commentators, with one stating, “What a performance from Yasmin Meakes! 🏅” The Maroons faced challenges as they lost players Mackenzie Weale and Keilee Joseph to injuries during the game.
The match was part of the 2026 Ampol Women’s State of Origin series. Observers noted that both teams committed three errors each, reflecting the pressure of such a high-stakes game. The humidity also played a role, affecting player performance.
The next game, Origin II, will take place at Suncorp Stadium on May 14. The Maroons will enjoy home ground advantage for this and another upcoming game in Brisbane.
