NSW survive nail-biting finish to claim second straight Women's State of Origin series

"The result looked set to flip when Maroons winger Jasmine Peters crossed in the right corner in the final minute, triggering wild scenes among the Queenslanders on the field and in the Suncorp Stadium stands, filled with a healthy crowd of 23,846. Yet when the decision was reviewed, Peters' toe was swept over the line in the tackle by a desperate Teagan Berry, who had initially appeared beaten. In the end she was celebrated a Blues hero as NSW lifted the shield for the second time in a row."

"I was stressing big time, Blues halfback Jesse Southwell said, watching back the replay of the dramatic moment on Channel Nine. Far out, that was so cool. Veteran Kezie Apps said she just wanted to kiss Berry. Our heart was in our chest there on that last little bit, she said. Maroons halfback Lauren Brown went from preparing for a match-winning conversion, to commiserating in defeat."

"Teagan Berry makes a try-saving tackle on Jasmine Peters in the final minute. Photograph: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images The moment encapsulated the Blues' desperate efforts to defend their lead in the dying moments. On the same patch of grass as Berry's try-saver, Southwell had pulled off her own, barely 10 minutes before. Again it was Peters with the ball, and again she looked certain to score."

"But in a one-on-one the Blues halfback somehow stopped Peters' momentum, swung around and planted her body underneath as Peters reached down with the ball. Thanks to the heroics of Berry and Southwell who also kicked the winning field goal in game one the Blues have now won back-to-"

NSW secured the Women’s State of Origin shield by defeating Queensland 14-10 in Brisbane. A late try by Queensland winger Jasmine Peters initially appeared to flip the match in the final minute, sparking celebrations at Suncorp Stadium. Video review found Peters’ toe had been swept over the line during a tackle by Teagan Berry, who had looked beaten. NSW players celebrated the decision as a Blues hero moment. Jesse Southwell described intense pressure while watching the replay, and Kezie Apps said she wanted to kiss Berry. Southwell also made a try-saving stop earlier, and Berry and Southwell’s combined efforts helped NSW defend their lead and win the series.

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