NSW make history with first clean sweep of Women's State of Origin in game three

NSW secured the first Women’s State of Origin whitewash since the series moved to three matches in 2024, beating Queensland 12-4 on the Gold Coast in game three. The scoreline reflected NSW’s dominance, with Queensland clearly second best, and the Maroons losing back-to-back series. NSW stayed patient until Jayme Fressard’s try with 17 minutes remaining, which shifted momentum and proved decisive. The try came after NSW’s fifth-tackle play stalled, then Isabelle Kelly off-loaded to Fressard, who exploited a gap in Queensland’s defence. Fressard credited her decision-making and speed after a prior missed chance. The sweep marked a strong start for NSW under John Strange, while Queensland’s Nathan Cross coaching debut ended with a 3-0 result despite close contests across the series.

"New South Wales have secured the first whitewash in Women's State of Origin since the series shifted to three matches in 2024, after grinding out a 12-4 victory over Queensland on the Gold Coast in game three. The scoreline flattered the home side, who were clearly second best against the shield holders, and have now lost back-to-back series. But they hung with the Blues until Jayme Fressard's try with 17 minutes to go which proved to be the match-winner."

"The Blues' fifth-tackle spread looked to be going nowhere, but when the imperious Isabelle Kelly off-loaded to her winger, Fressard capitalised on the Maroons' tired defence. She surged down the inside, slicing up the Queenslanders and sliding across to trigger the Blues' celebrations. The winger told Channel Nine she wanted to make up for an earlier missed opportunity."

"I'd seen a few Queenslanders and a big space, and I thought, you know, just back yourself, you've got the speed, so I wasn't bombing that one, Fressard said. NSW lift the Origin shield after game three. Photograph: Dave Hunt/AAP The series result represented an unfortunate opening to the Origin coaching career of Queensland's Nathan Cross, who was brought in this year to replace Tahnee Norris."

"We set a goal at the start of this year, obviously last year we didn't get that last win [in the third match in 2025]. We really came here with a goal and we had some things to work on, and credit to Strangey' and all that he does for his girls because we're so connected because of him. Even after Fressard's try pushed the lead to eight, the Blues still had work to do."

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