Queensland have closed out the 2025 Ampol Women’s State of Origin series with a statement win, holding off New South Wales 18-14 at McDonald Jones Stadium to avoid a whitewash and finish the campaign with heads held high.
Despite the Blues having already secured the series with victories in Games 1 and 2, it was Queensland who came out with greater urgency and intensity, playing for pride, the jersey, and their state.
The Maroons struck first through Makenzie Weale in just the 7th minute, capitalising on early field position and sustained pressure. Lauren Brown converted from out wide, giving Queensland a 6-0 lead and early confidence.
New South Wales hit back midway through the half with tries to Jessica Sergis and Jayme Fressard, swinging momentum briefly in the hosts' favour. But Queensland’s defensive resilience kicked in, and they steadied to hold the Blues to just an 8-6 lead at the break.
The second half was a true arm wrestle, with both sides trading heavy sets and refusing to give an inch. Jocelyn Kelleher crossed for NSW early in the second stanza to extend the Blues’ lead to 14-6, but the Maroons refused to fold.
What followed was Queensland’s best stretch of footy in the entire series.
In the 53rd minute, Romy Teitzel crashed over off a well-worked short ball, and Lauren Brown’s conversion brought the game back within two. Queensland kept the pressure on with a clinical kicking game, strong defensive sets and some huge carries through the middle.
Then, with just under seven minutes to play, Chelsea Lenarduzzi stepped up when it mattered most. Powering her way over the try line through a wall of defenders, Lenarduzzi’s go-ahead try epitomised the Maroons' spirit. Brown added the extras to give Queensland an 18-14 lead they would hold until the final whistle.
Lenarduzzi’s effort capped off a dominant performance from the Queensland forward pack, who continually bent the line and laid the platform.
Among the standouts was Jessika Elliston, who had an outstanding night in both attack and defence. The tireless prop racked up 143 run metres and made 25 tackles in a performance that earned her Player of the Match honours.
Despite matching the Blues in possession and completions (both 50% possession, 68% completion rate), it was Queensland’s grit and execution in the final 20 minutes that proved decisive.
The win not only denied the Blues a clean sweep but reignited belief in the potential of this Maroons squad, and sets the stage beautifully for a blockbuster 2026 series.
