'Very good challenge': Olivia Kernick's clever captain's challenge leaves everyone surprised
Olivia Kernick is one of the toughest and best players in NRLW - but the star forward also proved her smarts during the women's State of Origin.
Jaime Chapman struck first for NSW in wet conditions on Thursday night after the visitors controlled the early proceedings at Suncorp Stadium.
Queensland were on the ropes but looked to be given a reprieve when Kernick juggled the ball into an opposition defender and referee Belinda Sharpe called a knock-on.
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However, the 2024 Dally M Medal winner immediately signalled to Blues captain Isabelle Kelly to send it upstairs for a captain's challenge.
Olivia Kernick almost knocks the ball on. Nine
Replays showed the lock-forward actually stopped the ball from hitting a Maroons player and shovelled it back towards her own teammates, overruling Sharpe's call.
"This could be a good challenge, no touch from Elliston's arm coming in to put pressure," lead commentator Peter Psaltis said on Nine.
"Good challenge, very good challenge."
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The challenge paid off moments later when Keeley Nizza dived over from dummy-half to extend the Blues' lead to 8-0 in the first half after Jesse Southwell missed both goals.
Rory Owen gave the Queensland fans something to cheer about before the break, scoring from a smart short-side play.
