New South Wales overpowered a mistake-prone Queensland side 32-12 in a compelling but ultimately one-sided Women’s State of Origin opener in front of a record crowd at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday, thanks to key contributions from three debutants.
Late try-scorer Abbi Church was incisive at fullback, Jayme Fressard crossed twice on the left wing and towering prop forward Ellie Johnston scored the decisive four-pointer midway through the second half that settled the contest which gave the Blues a lead in the three-match series.
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Johnston, a proven NRLW performer with Cronulla, said she wanted to make the most of the step up, but there was nothing complicated about her try.