Maroons lose thrilling Game Two but claim series victory

A penalty try for the Sky Blues in the final minute handed them an 18-14 victory over the Maroons on Thursday night, but it wasn't enough to deny Queensland victory in the two-game series. 

Having won the opening game in Sydney 18-10, Tahnee Norris' side ran out in front of 18,275 fans at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville knowing anything bar a loss by eight points or more would see them crowned champions, and after leading for the majority of the match they had to endure a late scare. 

Down 14-12 with 25 seconds left, NSW were awarded a penalty try after Shenae Ciesiolka led with her boot in preventing Yasmin Clydsdale from scoring.

Jesse Southwell converted to give her side a four-point lead, before intervention from the Bunker after the full-time siren found a hip drop tackle which resulted in Romy Teitzel going on report, and NSW launching one final Hail Mary, which ultimately was cleaned up with ease by Tamika Upton to end the game.  

Confirmation of the series win capped of a momentous 24 hours for Queensland rugby league, following on from the men's side securing a series victory on Wednesday night, marking the first time in three years that both titles have gone north of the border. 

After falling behind just three minutes into the contest, the Maroons scored three unanswered tries to lead at the break. 

Back-rower Tazmin Gray was at her destructive best, with her powerful carries leading to Upton and Emily Bass scoring in the 17th and 25th minutes, while in defence she produced some bruising hits and came up with a likely try-saver on Southwell in the shadows of half-time. 

Earlier it was New South Wales who started the better of the two sides, and it took just three minutes for the Sky Blues to get on the board. 

After a hamstring injury robbed her of appearing in Game One, Tiana Penitani scored with her first touch of the ball after tracking down a drilled grubber kick from Keeley Davis. 

Southwell then kicked a penalty goal to extend the lead to 6-0, and while the Sky Blues continued to produce plenty of scoring opportunities, they had no answer for Gray at the other end when she hit go. 

After Upton and Bass went over to give the hosts the lead, Tarryn Aiken sold the defence down the river with a dummy and scooted in for a third. 

Trailing 14-6 at the break, New South Wales knew they'd need at least 16 points in the second period, and they made an ideal start when Penitani scored her second on the opening set.

While Southwell's sideline conversion pinged off the post, a penalty a short time later presented the teenage No.7 with a gift two points to close the gap to 14-12 with 23 minutes to play. 

Cue the late drama and plenty of stressful moments for Queensland, but in the end the Maroons did enough to claim interstate bragging rights for 2023.