Women’s Origin 2026 game one LIVE: NSW begin shield defence in Newcastle

Blues hit the lead

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63 min: Home-town hero Southwell, a Kotara Bears juniors, gives the Blues the lead with a field goal. Blues 7-6

Another injury blow for Queensland

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59 min: The Maroons lose another player with Joseph, who has had a great game, taken off on a medicab after a heavy knock.

Last-ditch Blues defence

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58 min: Meakes and Church combine to make a great try-saving tackle on Joseph who appeared certain to score. 6-6

TRY! Blues hit back

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View from the grandstand

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Second half

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36 min: The Blues kick off. The home side will be desperate to be next scorers.

Half-time: Qld 6-0

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Thirty-two minutes pass without a point being scored in a low-scoring Origin series opener. Both sides were not at their best with the ball, which is understandable considering the NRLW season is still months away.

Maroons hang on again

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28 min: The Queensland defence repels another Blues attacking raid, sparked by a great run winger Jamie Chapman. NSW attack overall has been quite clunky, though. Poor handling has let them down several times. Qld 6-0

Maroons defend their lead

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17 min: The Blues have had the better of play since the early Queensland try but are yet to crack the visitors’ defence. Qld 6-0

Great run by the captain

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13 min: Tamika Upton, having taken over as Maroons captain after the retirement of Ali Brigginshaw, makes a terrific charge from inside her half.