State of Origin is always a fiercely contested battle and the 2018 series did not disappoint, with the result in the balance until the final few games at Redcliffe’s Dolphin Oval.
The two states were locked at 5-divisions all, with Queensland needing to win three of the last four divisions to claim victory.
Unfortunately, only the Women’s Open team was victorious, meaning the shield was returned south of the border with a 8-6 overall series loss.
In the Women’s Open, the Maroons clinched the opening game 9-7 but dropped the second with the same scoreline. It was all one-way traffic in the decider, flying to a 5-1 half time lead before taking the game 8-2 and the series.
Paige Parker saved her best game for last, collecting Player of the Series with a two-try haul in a brilliant individual performance.
In the Men’s Open, despite a 6-5 half time score, Queensland couldn’t contain a rampant NSW team boasting a number of Australian stars.
For full game results, click here.
Division Results
M55s: 2-1 NSW
M50s: 3-0 NSW
M45s: 3-0 NSW
W40s: 3-0 QLD
M40s: 3-0 NSW
W35s: 2-1 NSW
M35s: 3-0 QLD
W30s: 2-1 QLD
M30s: 2-1 QLD
W20s: 2-1 NSW
M20s: 3-0 QLD
Mixed Open: 2-1 NSW
W Open: 2-1 QLD
M Open: 2-1 NSW
Player of the Series
M55s: Joseph Lancuba (NSW)
M50s: Mark Hearnden (NSW)
M45s: Mark Leonard (NSW)
W40s: Jodie Gair (QLD)
M40s: Darren Reynoldson (NSW)
W35s: Kylie Stewart (NSW)
M35s: Aaron Jones (QLD)
W30s: Kelly Kennedy (QLD)
M30s: Michael Baartz (QLD)
W20s: Brittney Clifford (NSW)
M20s: Blake Moore (QLD)
Mixed Open: Dylan Thompson (NSW)
W Open: Paige Parker (QLD)
M Open: Scott Buckley (NSW)
