Ugly act rocks first half of NRLW State of Origin Opener as New South Wales star accuses opponent of shock move
An unsavoury moment rocked the first half of the 2025 NRLW State of Origin Opener.
The Blues took a 1-0 lead in the series after besting the Maroons at the Suncorp Stadium 32-12 on Thursday night.
But New South Wales hooker Keeley Davis halted play just 16 minutes into the match, accusing an opposition player of a shock eye-gouge.
In front of a record crowd of 16,022 fans, the Blues produced a marvellous second-half display, keeping the home side scoreless to take the lead in the series back home to the Allianz Stadium.
Former Dally M winner Jess Sergis crossed over to give the Blues the lead but a try from Sienna Lofipo pulled the scores back level not long after.
The Blues hit back with Jess Southwell collecting the ball off the floor before putting Isabelle Kelly over for a try to re-take the lead.
Jesse Southwell, who was also excellent throughout, failed to convert the kick, but it was here that Davis and captain Kelly approached referee Belinda Sharpe over the alleged incident.
Sharpe was heard saying on the ref mic: ‘So you want to make a formal allegeation?’
An unsavoury moment rocked the first half of the 2025 NRLW State of Origin Opener as NSW hooker Keeley Davis (centre) alleged an opposition player of an eye gauge
Referee Belinda Sharpe spoke to both Davis and captain Isabelle Kelly over the matter, putting the incident on report
The Blues took a 1-0 lead in the series after besting the Maroons at the Suncorp Stadium 32-12 on Thursday night
Davis pointed to her right eye and then to where the incident took place as they talked through the alleged gouge.
She did not state which opposition player had allegedly gauged her.
Sharpe then put the incident on report.
The footy star appeared to be OK following the incident, but was seen touching her eye and looking in some discomfort.
In front of a record 26,022 crowd at the Suncorp the Blues took a 12-14 lead against the Maroons heading into the break and came out firing in the second half.
Jayme Fressard touched down just after the break before Ellie Johnston and Abbi Church both crossed the whitewash to seal the 20-point victory.
Both sides will take two weeks off before returning to clash at the Allianz on May 15.
More to follow…
