NSW Women's State of Origin team wins historic 3-0 series sweep over Queensland in 2026
Consensus Summary
New South Wales secured a historic 3-0 sweep in the 2026 Women’s State of Origin series, defeating Queensland 12-4 in the final match on May 28 at Robina on the Gold Coast. This marked the first clean sweep in the three-match format since its introduction in 2024. NSW’s Jayme Fressard scored the decisive try with 17 minutes left, while Olivia Kernick dominated physically with 33 tackles and 199 run metres. The Blues’ coach, John Strange, celebrated his fifth series win in six attempts, while Queensland’s new coach, Nathan Cross, praised his young side despite their injuries to key players like Tamika Upton and Julia Robinson. Destiny Mino-Sinapati shone in her Origin debut, replacing Upton. NSW’s Yasmin Meakes was named player of the series, and the team’s cohesion under Strange was highlighted as a key factor in their success. Queensland showed resilience but fell short, with errors costing them crucial moments.
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Key details reported by multiple sources:
- New South Wales defeated Queensland 12-4 in the third and final Women’s State of Origin match on 2026-05-28 at the Gold Coast (Robina).
- This was the first clean sweep (3-0) in Women’s State of Origin since the series expanded to three matches in 2024.
- Jayme Fressard scored the winning try for NSW with 17 minutes remaining in the third match.
- NSW coach John Strange won his fifth of six Women’s State of Origin matches as head coach.
- Queensland’s Nathan Cross replaced Tahnee Norris as coach in 2026.
- NSW’s Yasmin Meakes won the player of the series award (Katrina Fanning Medal).
- Queensland’s injured players included captain Tamika Upton, winger Julia Robinson, and forward Makenzie Weale.
- Destiny Mino-Sinapati made her Origin debut, replacing Upton, and impressed with her running and ball-playing.
- NSW’s Olivia Kernick led tackles (33) and run metres (199) in the third match.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- NSW’s combined margin across the three matches was just 17 points despite the 3-0 series result.
- NSW’s fifth-tackle spread led to Jayme Fressard’s try after Isabelle Kelly off-loaded to her.
- NSW’s Jesse Southwell and Jocelyn Kelleher provided steady half-back play.
- Queensland’s Chantay Kiria-Ratu showed growing confidence in her first Origin series, improving her ball-playing and running.
- NSW’s Abbi Church was involved in the opening try after Isabelle Kelly crossed from a pass by Jesse Southwell.
- Queensland’s Jasmine Peters scored a try early in the second half from a scrum 20m out.
- NSW’s Keilee Joseph gave away a ruck penalty that shifted momentum in the second half.
- NSW’s combined metres in the first half were 674 to Queensland’s 439, with NSW breaking 12 tackles (vs. Queensland’s 6).
- NSW captain Isabelle Kelly called the team ‘speechless’ after the series win, praising the squad’s cohesion.
- NSW’s Ellie Johnston and Olivia Kernick were described as ‘powerful through the middle’ in the series.
- Coach John Strange called Yasmin Meakes ‘outstanding in every game’ and a ‘competitor’ for the player of the series award.
- Queensland coach Nathan Cross described Destiny Mino-Sinapati as a ‘10 out of 10 human being’ and a ‘ripper’ in her debut.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The Guardian states NSW’s combined margin across the three matches was 17 points, while the ABC does not mention this specific margin.
Source Articles
NSW make history with first clean sweep of Women’s State of Origin in game three
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NSW skipper Kelly 'speechless' after Blues make State of Origin history
NSW captain Isabelle Kelly praises her Blues teammates after they complete a historic 3-0 State of Origin whitewash against Queensland.