A Historic Moment for Jesse Southwell
In a moment that will be remembered for years to come, Jesse Southwell made history by becoming the first player in the Women’s State of Origin series to kick a field goal. Up until this point, Southwell had never attempted a field goal in her professional career. However, when it mattered most, she rose to the occasion and played a pivotal role in leading the New South Wales (NSW) team to an 11-6 victory in the opening game of the series.
Southwell, a halfback and two-time NRLW premiership winner, was under immense pressure as the Blues faced off against a determined Queensland side. Despite the weight of expectation, she managed to stay composed and deliver a crucial one-pointer in the final minutes of the match. This decisive kick helped secure the win and marked a significant milestone in her career.
The Pressure of Expectation
The stakes were high for Southwell, especially given the historical struggles of the NSW team in previous Origin encounters. With the scores tied at 6-6 heading into the last 10 minutes of the game, Southwell knew she had to step up. Her first attempt at a field goal was charged down, but she quickly regrouped and successfully converted the second opportunity.
“I’ve never kicked a field goal in a real game,” Southwell admitted after the match. “You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do if you want to win.”
Her performance was not only critical for the outcome of the game but also for the morale of the entire team. Southwell was placed in position by NSW lock Olivia Kernick, who recognized the importance of her role in the final moments of the match.
A Home Game with a New Chapter
This match was particularly meaningful for Southwell, as it was her last game on home soil before she moves to the Brisbane Broncos. Playing at the Newcastle Knights’ venue, she carried the hopes of the local fans and her teammates. The victory was a testament to her resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
Despite the win, Southwell acknowledged that there is still a lot to improve upon. She pointed out that the team was far from cohesive during the match, with only a few instances where they managed to breach the Queensland defense. Jess Sergis’ late try and Ellie Johnston’s barge-over were the only times the Blues managed to score.
Looking Ahead to the Series
With the series now in their favor, the NSW team is within one win of retaining the State of Origin title. The next game is scheduled for May 14 in Brisbane, followed by a final showdown on the Gold Coast on May 28. Southwell believes that the team has the potential to improve significantly as the series progresses.
“I think we’ve got a lot to improve on, definitely personally as the half, there’s a lot that we clean up,” she said. “That’s our first game of the year, our first hit out so I think there’s a lot to improve on. Everyone wanted a three-game series and we’ve got it.”
As the series continues, Southwell’s performance in the opener has set the tone for what could be a thrilling competition. Her ability to rise to the occasion and deliver when it mattered most has already made her a key figure in the NSW team’s campaign.
