The New South Wales (NSW) Blues won the three-match Origin series. Their story was to have a bittersweet conclusion, going down in the decider to the Queensland Maroons. In a dramatic showdown at Newcastle, where 21,912 fans gathered, the Maroons scored two late tries, denying the Blues a clean sweep and leaving players with mixed feelings about their triumph.
Captain Isabelle Kelly inspired the Blues throughout the series, which they last captured in 2022. Though they would go on to lose Game III, hoisting the shield was a crowning victory in and of itself for the team. The game was physical, competitive and thrilling as both teams exhibited an extreme level of skill, toughness and heart on the playing surface.
