The Mole's player ratings: Huge question mark looms over Maroons veteran after 'off the pace' performance
NSW have taken a crucial series lead in the women's State of Origin series, with a host of stars standing up in the cauldron known as Suncorp Stadium.
Jesse Southwell looked on song with ball in hand, while Kennedy Cherrington provided some impact off the bench for the Blues in the 32-12 triumph.
The same couldn't be said for the Maroons, who were off the pace for a majority of the 70 minutes and will need a miracle to turn things around and level the series.
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The Mole rates and analyses all 34 players from the series opener below.
QUEENSLAND MAROONS
1. Tamika Upton
The great Blues kick-chase made her look a mere shadow of the player who scored five tries for the Jillaroos against England in Vegas. Rating: 5
Tamika Upton in action. Getty
2. Julia Robinson
One of the best of a disappointing lot - safe under bomb pressure and came up with a try assist. Rating: 7
3. Shenae Ciesiolka
No tackle breaks, no incisive runs as the Blues easily won the battle out wide. Rating: 3
4. Rory Owen
The former touch star went OK on debut, scoring a try and showing her pace. Rating: 6
5. Jasmine Peters
An unfortunate debut for this youngster, suffering a HIA in the first half and failing to return after halftime. Rating: 3
6. Tarryn Aiken
The most dangerous Maroon on the field, setting up both her team's tries and kicking intelligently. Rating: 7
7. Ali Brigginshaw
Will the veteran hold her place for game two? Had very little impact and looked off the pace. Rating: 3
Ali Brigginshaw. Getty
8. Keilee Joseph
Made just seven runs for 54 metres for the match as the Blues dominated the forward exchanges. Rating: 4
9. Lauren Brown
Tried hard from dummy-half but was well covered by the Blues middle defence and missed six tackles. Rating: 4
10. Jessika Elliston
Barely sighted as she made just over 40 metres with the ball and wasn't involved enough in the middle. Rating: 3
11. Sienna Lofipo
Was in the right spot to score the Maroons' first try and also topped her team's tackle count. Rating: 6
12. Romy Teitzel
Led the Maroons in yardage by a long way but not as dominant as last year's series when she led Queensland to a series win. Rating: 6
13. Destiny Brill
Only played 32 minutes with two runs for 16 metres - very disappointing. Rating: 3
14. Jada Ferguson
The 22-year-old came on early in the second half in her debut but couldn't get into the game with two runs for nine metres. Rating: 2
15. Sophie Holyman
Tried to lift the Maroons from the bench but the game was gone by the time she got her chance. Rating: 5
16. Makenzie Weale
Probably the most dangerous of the Maroons' bench players but still didn't damage the Blues defence. Rating: 5
17. Tavarna Papalii
Passed an HIA early in the second half but looked off her game. Rating: 3
NSW BLUES
1. Abbi Church
Easily won her battle with the more fancied Upton, scoring a try, creating another and leading the Blues in yardage. Rating: 7
2. Jaime Chapman
Didn't see much ball with any time or space but safe in defence. Rating: 5
3. Jessica Sergis
Set the tone for the night with an early try and was dangerous whenever the ball came her way. Rating: 7
Jessica Sergis scores for NSW Nine
4. Isabelle Kelly
Simply outstanding, giving the Maroons nightmares with a try and two try assists and two line breaks. Rating: 8
5. Jayme Fressard
Looked right at home on debut with two tries and a mistake-free game. Rating: 7
6. Tiana Penitani-Gray
The reigning Dally M Centre of the Year wasn't quite as comfortable at five-eighth but had a tidy game. Rating: 6
7. Jesse Southwell
Was a woman with a point to prove after being overlooked last season, dominating the Blues attack and kicking smartly. Rating: 9
Jesse Southwell Getty
8. Simaima Taufa
Led the Blues forwards in yardage and also owned the Maroons forwards in defence. Rating: 8
9. Keeley Davis
Gave good service from dummy-half, putting the team ahead of herself by feeding the big forwards. Rating: 6
10. Ellie Johnston
Celebrated her debut with a powerful try and her size and mobility caused Queensland plenty of problems. Rating: 8
Ellie Johnston celebrates a try. Nine
11. Kezie Apps
A handful for the tackle-shy Maroons out wide every time the ball came her way. All grace and power. Rating: 8
12. Yasmin Clydsdale
Did plenty of damage when she got the chance, having a hand in a couple of tries and bullying her opposites. Rating: 7
13. Olivia Kernick
Took a heavy early knock to the ribs that clearly affected her but stll managed nearly 120 running metres. Rating: 6
14. Jocelyn Kelleher
Had a quiet debut, only getting 24 minutes and six runs but will be a better player next time. Rating: 3
15. Kennedy Cherrington
The best bench player on the night, adding real impact midway through the second half when she got her chance. Rating: 7
16. Sarah Togatuki
Worked hard in her 22 minutes of game time without making any real impact. Rating: 4
17. Emma Verran
Came on and took over the hooking duties with class, putting Johnston over for a vital second-half try. Rating: 6
