Women’s State of Origin Game 3
The Inaugural Decider
2024 saw the Women’s State of Origin series finally be granted its long overdue 3 game status. So as disappointing as it was to see the Sky Blues lose game 2 in heartbreaking circumstances (that waterlogged Lauren Brown field goal to ice a late comeback!), the one silver lining was the opportunity to create history by winning the first ever Game 3.
Being the inaugural physio for the Women’s State Of Origin program back in 2018, and the only person to wear the orange shirt for the first 5 years, it had been a very different mid-year experience to watch these inspirational women on TV in 2023 and through 2024. That all changed with a last minute late call up asking could I jump back into camp for what was arguably the biggest game in the history of the women’s game.
And it must be said, how do you say anything except yes when your pseudo family member Millie Elliot calls you directly to tell you to pack a suitcase and get into camp. It helps when she also calls your wife and family making sure they would be OK without me – and funnily enough they barely missed me at all apparently.
So in the middle of a putrid wet and freezing winter, we escaped to Townsville for a week of training and acclimatisation getting used to putting sunscreen on again and sweating in the 27 degree warmth. Another example of me putting work first it must be said. Nothing is too big a sacrifice for me…
During the week I was reminded of just how special this playing group is, and how big a role they have played in my professional career to date. Having worked within the NSWRL pathways system since 2012, and with our elite Women’s programs since 2017, it was nice to reflect with some of the OGs who were there from the start – I’m looking at you Kez, Izzy and Corbs !
After a week of training and plenty of physio treatment ++ we finally arrived at the ground to witness what had been dreamed of back in 2018. Since the first game at North Sydney Oval the people within the Women’s game had worked towards this concept tirelessly ever since.
We were finally going to see these incredible athletes / role models take part in a deciding game in front of a full house (in addition to >2 million viewers on TV!)
As if the decider being a home game for Qld, it was also the 2nd game in Qld for the series. On top of this we were blessed with the sudden onset of tropical rain and a storm just 15mins before kick off to further add adversity to the mix.
The home crowd did their best impersonation of Billy Moore all game, and unfortunately it will be the Queenslanders who will get to go to reunions celebrating becoming the first ever 3 game series champions.
All in all, and despite the result it was another cracking week of work with some of the finest humans on the planet. Another chapter in the crazy book of career opportunities and experiences that reinforces my belief that “good things happen when you’re out in the world!”.
Bring on 2025 for some Sky Blue revenge!.
