A Night to Remember in the State of Origin
The NRL fans were left in awe on Thursday night after two match-saving tackles secured NSW the State of Origin series, with Teagan Berry’s effort leaving Allana Ferguson gobsmacked. The Blues managed to clinch the series in Game 2 after a backup winger, Berry, came up with a crucial tackle in the final 30 seconds when Queensland’s Jasmine Peters looked to have equalized the scores.
Queensland made one last push with the Blues leading 14-10 when Peters got the ball five metres out. She seemed poised to dive to the touchline, but Berry managed to grab the Maroon’s back. Peters slammed the ball down in the corner and celebrated the try. Former NSW star Ferguson showed her astonishment in commentary as the match appeared to be tied 14-14 with the kick to come.
However, replays revealed that Berry had done just enough to force Peters’ trailing leg to touch the white paint. The tackle was incredible and it secured the series win for NSW with one game remaining.
Winger Berry described it as one of the best moments of her young career. “It’s probably one of the best feelings I’ve had playing footy,” Berry said of her tackle. “I was lucky enough to take her out of the sideline and sort of win the game for us there and stop the try.”
And it wasn’t the only match-saving effort from a Blues star. Halfback Jesse Southwell also made a stunning tackle only moments before, also on Peters. Both efforts saved the game for the Blues, who had let Queensland back into the game. Fans were in awe of the NSW defence, with Berry earning the plaudits after her remarkable effort.
Teagan Berry Thrilled After Try-Saving Effort
Berry had made two errors under the high-ball throughout the contest, but her effort with 30 seconds left made up for it. “I was like, ‘I sort of need to come up with a play here’. Lucky that I did that, otherwise I probably would’ve walked home tonight,” she said.
NSW Blues Captain Isabelle Kelly was full of praise for her winger and knew she was capable of the effort. “I actually had full confidence in ‘Flash’, she’s one of those players that will go right ‘til the last minute,” Kelly said after the game.
“This jersey, she’s going to be wearing it for a really long time, no matter what position she plays. She’s incredible.”
Queensland Rues Errors in Game 2
Queensland coach Nathan Cross felt the team’s errors let them down across the two games, with the Maroons only completing at 57 per cent for the game. “Full credit to NSW, but I sit here and I don’t feel that we got blown away by a heaps better footy team. I feel like that was a real game, that was a real series,” Cross said.
“For us to take that next step, we’ve got to stop beating ourselves. That’ll be our focus going into game three.”
