25,782 rugby league fans braved the torrential rain at McDonald Jones Stadium for Game II of the Harvey Norman Women's State of Origin Series, and boy - did they experience a great game of football.
The first ten minutes saw consistent footy, with both teams completing at close to 100% despite the conditions. The crowd was rewarded for their commitment to turning up in the rain with some big hits, dazzling runs and creative football.
The Sky Blues opened the scoring in the 25th minute with Keely Davis crossing the line and Rachel Peterson adding the extras. Despite valiant attempts by both sides to get over the line before the break, the score remained 6 - 0 at half-time.
The team stats at half-time showed just how close the game was. The QLD side were leading all team stats across the sheet, but it was the Sky Blues with more points on the board. Isabelle Kelly and Emma Tonagato led the run metres with 118 and 99m respectively, and Tamika Upton led the Maroons with 74m.
The second half started just as quickly as the first finished, with both sides showing that they weren't going to let the crowd down. In a similar fashion to the first half, there were big hits, and both sides were shifting the ball around trying to find some space through - but the rain and fatigue were starting to cause a bit of havoc, with completion rates dropping quickly. The Sky Blues held quite a bit of possession throughout the second half, with more than double the number of play the balls in their red zone - but they were unable to capitalise on their opportunities.
It was in the 54th minute that the next points were added to the scoreboard. This time, the Maroon's side opened their account through a crisp pass from veteran Ali Brigginshaw to Shenae Ciesiolka, who crossed out wide. Lauren Brown was unable to seal the conversion, and the game went into the last 15 minutes with the Sky Blues leading by 2 points.
Jessica Sergis got NSW on the front foot with a classy strip, providing her side with amazing field position. Some quick hands saw the ball shift across the field, resulting in Tiana Penitani crossing to push the score back out to 10 - 4 before the kick. Rachel Peterson lost her footing in the slippery conditions, and the kick was waved away, leaving the difference a converted try with 10 minutes on the clock.
A sneaky kick from the kick-off saw Queensland get the ball back, and they went straight on the attack. A minute later, Tarryn Aitken scored alongside the goal posts. Lauren Brown made no mistake with the kick this time, and everyone was in for an absolute grandstand finish. It was in the 68th minute that Queenslander Lauren Brown slotted a field goal to push the Maroons out to take the lead for the first time in the game and ultimately to come out on top. The incredible finish leads us to the first decider in Women's State of Origin as both sides head to Townsville in 3 weeks to see who lifts the shield!