NSW made history with their first clean sweep of the Women's State of Origin in game three, but this victory was more than just a win. It was a testament to the team's resilience, strategy, and the impact of their coach, John Strange. In my opinion, this game was a microcosm of Strange's coaching prowess and the team's unwavering belief in him. The Blues' ability to grind out a 12-4 victory over the Maroons on their home turf was a display of tactical brilliance and mental fortitude. What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between the two teams' performances. The Maroons, led by new coach Nathan Cross, showed promise and fought hard, but ultimately fell short. This raises a deeper question: How do we balance the need for fresh leadership with the importance of continuity in coaching? The answer lies in the Blues' unwavering faith in Strange, who has now won five of six matches in the series. This faith is not blind; it's a strategic decision based on the team's success under his guidance. One thing that immediately stands out is the role of Isabelle Kelly and Jayme Fressard. These players were instrumental in the Blues' victory, with Kelly's offload setting up Fressard's match-winning try. What many people don't realize is the pressure these players must have felt, especially Fressard, who was making up for an earlier missed opportunity. If you take a step back and think about it, the impact of these players goes beyond the score. It's about the confidence they bring to the team and the belief they instill in their teammates. The Blues' victory also highlights the importance of tactical discipline. Despite dominating the first half, they took 26 minutes to score their first try. This shows that even the best teams need to be patient and strategic, waiting for the right moment to strike. The Maroons' resilience in the second half is also worth noting. Despite giving away an unlucky ruck penalty, they fought back and created opportunities to take the lead. This shows that even in defeat, there are lessons to be learned and reasons for optimism. In my view, the Maroons' performance was a reminder that the series is still anyone's to win. The combined margin across the three matches was just 17 points, and the Maroons were in each contest. This suggests that the series is far from over and that the Maroons have the potential to turn things around. The Blues' victory was a significant moment in Women's State of Origin history, but it was also a reminder of the importance of tactical discipline, strategic decision-making, and the power of belief. From my perspective, this game was a perfect example of how a team can achieve greatness through hard work, resilience, and a shared vision. The Blues' clean sweep is a testament to the power of unity and the impact of strong leadership. It's a victory that will resonate for years to come and inspire future generations of players and coaches.
