Maroons power past Sky Blues for historic series victory

History belongs to the Maroons following their comprehensive 22-6 win over the Sky Blues on Thursday night, which saw them retain state bragging rights with victory in the first ever Women's Origin three-game series. 

Well beaten in the opener, before requiring a clutch field goal off the boot of Lauren Brown to keep them alive in Game Two, Queensland were in devastating touch as they sealed the deal in front of 22,819 fans on home soil at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

It followed on from their triumph on points differential in last year's two-game series 

After being among her side's heroes in Game Two with a late try, five-eighth Tarryn Aiken was a standout under the Townsville rain, despite her late intercept gifting NSW a try. 

Aiken set up the opening try with a divine no-look pass before providing the kick to set up Julia Robinson's four-pointer just before the break, in addition to running the ball for 88 metres. 

Workaholic front-rower Shannon Mato churned through 151 run metres on the night to top the yardage count for her side for the third time in as many games and she was later recognised for her efforts with the Nellie Doherty Medal as player of the series.

Made to pay for a slow start in Game One and very nearly again in Game Two, Queensland couldn't have dreamed of a better opening this time around.

After her side forced error from Emma Tonegato on New South Wales' first carry,  Aiken sent Evania Pelite over on the ensuing scrum. 

Tonegato's tough start continued with a wayward pass at the other end minutes later and from that possession Queensland headed back down field and found another two points after forcing a repeat set, with Rachael Pearson drilling a dropout out on the full and gifting them a penalty from in front. 

The Sky Blues were getting plenty of chances with the ball in attacking territory, but their nine errors through the first half hour helped ensure it didn't convert into points.

A muddled kick defusal from Tonegato then presented Robinson with a free ball to dive on for the Maroons' second try, which Brown converted to give the hosts a 14-0 lead at the half. 

A booming 40/20 from Ali Brigginshaw in her 11th interstate game got the Maroons back on the attack early in the second half and when referee Belinda Sharpe pinged the Sky Blues for a strip Queensland opted to stretch the lead by another two. 

With the game under control and the clock ticking down to the final 11 minutes, Aiken's speculative pass saw Jaime Chapman go on a brilliant 90-metre run, evading several defenders along the way, to reduce the gap to 10. 

But there was to be no miraculous comeback, with the Maroons keeping their cool and icing a famous victory with a try to veteran forward Tazmin Rapana.