Despite bringing home the 2025 Women’s State of Origin shield, New South Wales Blues halfback Jesse Southwell admitted she was left with mixed emotions after Thursday night’s 18–14 loss to Queensland in Newcastle.
"I'm not really sure how to feel or what to feel," Southwell told the Nine Network at full-time.
"It's pretty disappointing losing that and by that margin."
The Maroons’ Game 3 victory in front of almost 22,000 fans at McDonald Jones Stadium marked a strong finish for Queensland, who saved face after dropping the opening two games of the historic three-match series.
While the Blues secured the overall title 2–1, the result on Newcastle turf clearly stung.
"Probably fitting that it ended that way," Southwell said.
"It's pretty disappointing that game. Won the series, but pretty disappointing tonight."
The Blues' halfback contributed to the NSW performance by successfully converting a try in the 49th minute, adding two points to the team's total.
Blues make history despite loss
New South Wales’ victory in the 2025 Women’s State of Origin series marks a historic moment in the competition’s evolution.
While it’s not their first series win, it is the first time the Blues have triumphed in a full three-game format, having previously won single-match titles in 2018, 2019, and 2022.
After dominant wins in Games 1 and 2, NSW secured the shield before falling to Queensland in a closely contested Game 3.
The series reflected not only the Blues’ growing strength but also the continued rise in popularity and competitiveness of women’s rugby league, with record-breaking crowds and strong media attention highlighting the sport’s momentum.
MORE: Women's State of Origin: Full results history