NSW Blues Aim to End Seven-Year Origin Drought in Game Two

The New South Wales (NSW) Blues women’s rugby league team is poised to break a seven-year drought by winning back-to-back State of Origin titles. After securing a narrow victory in game one in Newcastle, thanks to a late field goal by Jesse Southwell and a try by Jess Sergis, the Blues face Queensland in game two at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night. A win would clinch the 2026 series for NSW, marking their first consecutive championships since 2019. Coach John Strange expressed confidence in his squad’s momentum, despite the absence of Tiana Penitani Gray due to a knee injury, with Rima Butler stepping in as a replacement. Captain Isabelle Kelly emphasized the intensity of the rivalry, noting Queensland’s resilience despite losing key players like Ali Brigginshaw and Tarryn Aiken. The match represents a significant milestone for the NSW team, which has struggled to retain the shield in recent years. Both sides are expected to display high levels of determination, with the Blues aiming to maintain their defensive grit and offensive pressure to overcome a desperate Queensland Maroons side.