Controversial incident mars the initial half of NRLW State of Origin debut, with a New South Wales player alleging uns Sportsmanlike conduct by an opponent - leaving the Blues ahead 1-0 in the series.
In the opening act of the 2025 NRLW State of Origin, a scandalous incident unfolded between New South Wales' (NSW) hooker Keeley Davis and an unnamed opposition player from Queensland. The game, a nail-biter that saw the Blues triumph 32-12, was officiated by Belinda Sharpe, who put the alleged eye-gouge on report following discussions with Davis and captain Isabelle Kelly.
The eye-gouge charged against an unidentified Queensland player cast a shadow on an otherwise spirited match. Davis, pointing to her right eye, signaled the spot where the incident transpired during her confrontation with the referee. The alleged gouge occurred prior to Kelly's try, marking a significant moment in the game.
The incident sparked controversy, causing discomfort for Davis but no apparent long-term harm. First-gamer Jayme Fressard, on the other hand, shone in her debut, scoring twice down the left wing. Ellie Johnston clinched the lead for the Blues in the second half with a powerful run, while Abbi Church sealed the victory.
The Blues now have a valuable lead in the series, with the next two matches to be played at home. Tiana Penitani Gray may face discipline for pulling Tamika Upton's hair, an act that could attract the attention of the match review committee.
One of eight Origin debutants across both sides, Queensland's Jasmine Peters suffered a head knock and had to leave the game. However, she is expected to recover in time for the second game of the series in Sydney on May 15.
Post-match, NSW captain Kelly expressed pride in her team's debutants and acknowledged the threat posed by Queensland. Despite the determined win, she called for caution, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus for the upcoming matches.
[1] https://www.smh.com.au/sport/league/nsw-state-of-origin-team-goes-in-to-battle-with-eye-gouge-allegation-hanging-over-20250505-p5d1jh.html[2] https://www.nrl.com/news/2025/05/05/nrlw-state-of-origin-blues-clinch-game-one-win-as-enquiries-launched-into-eye-gouge-claim/[3] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-05/nrlw-state-of-origin-blues-win-maroons-eye-gouge-allegation/100854546[4] https://www.espn.com/nrl/story/_/id/35270915/nrlw-state-origin-queensland-accused-eye-gouge-nsw-blues-lead-series
- The eye-gouge allegation, which occurred during the 2025 NRLW State of Origin, has added an unexpected twist to the sports world, generating intense discussion among football enthusiasts.
- In a surprising turn of events, Jasmine Peters, one of the eight Origin debutants, had to exit the game due to a head knock, casting doubts on her availability for the second game of the series on May 15.
- Amid the celebration of their debutants' performances and the significant win, NSW captain Isabelle Kelly emphasized the importance of maintaining focus for the upcoming matches, given the strong competition posed by Queensland.
- As the first game of the series ends with a triumph for the Blues, the match review committee is set to investigate the alleged eye-gouge incident involving the Maroons player and Keeley Davis, potentially leading to further changes in the series' dynamics.
