LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Queensland has avoided a women's State of Origin series whitewash by defeating New South Wales (NSW) 18-14 in Newcastle, thanks to a late try from Chelsea Lenarduzzi.
The win was crucial for the Maroons, who faced heavy pressure after losing players Shenae Ciesolkia and Destiny Brill to injuries during the game.
NSW looked poised for victory when Jocelyn Kelleher scored, giving the Blues an eight-point lead with just 20 minutes to go.
However, Queensland rallied as Romy Teitzel scored from a Tarryn Aiken grubber kick, narrowing the gap as the match entered its final phase.
Surrey captain Ali Brigginshaw, who had struggled during the earlier games, made a pivotal impact after being substituted in as hooker.
She set up the crucial try by changing direction at dummy half and providing Lenarduzzi with a short ball for the score.
Despite being sin-binned in the dying moments for a foul on Tiana Penitani Gray, Lenarduzzi's contribution clinched the win for Queensland.
In the final tense seconds of the match, NSW, shifting left, turned over possession, thus missing out on the opportunity to achieve what would have been a historic series whitewash.