Eye gouge saga mars record-breaking Origin

NSW Women have won the opening game of the 2025 Women's State of Origin series, running away 32-12 winners in front of a record crowd of 26,022.

Jess Sergis scored the opening try of the series in the fourth minute, with the Blues controlling the contest from there.

The Blues four rookies - Abbi Church, Ellie Johnston, Jayme Fressard, and Jocelyn Kelleher - were dominant for the visitors, scoring four of NSW's six tries, with Church running for a game high 139 metres.

But the match was overshadowed by an alleged eye gouging incident with an official complaint made against Queensland second rower Romy Teitzel after complaints from NSW hooker Keeley Davis.

The issue will be handled by the Match Review Committee.

“I won’t say too much on it yet. I don’t know how much I can say,” Davis said after the match.

“Obviously it is going to have to go to the judiciary, so I’ll just leave it at that.

“I’m unsure (who it was) at this moment.

“I’ve never felt (anything like that) before in the game. But I felt an eye gouge.”

If Teitzel is found guilty, it would be a costly omission for the Maroons who need to win their next two games in NSW to retain the shield.

Queensland lost winger Jasmine Peters after halftime to a Category 1 HIA, while Blues five-eighth Tiana Penitani Gray was placed on report for a hair pull.

Queensland legend Jo Barrett said the Queensland defence struggled to contain the speed and strength of the Blues forward pack.

"The Blues were so solid," Barrett said during commentary.

"Their ability to shift under pressure in defence they have to tighten that up.

"The front rowers of the Blues, they're just a runaway train.

"If you can't slow down that ruck speed, you can't get your defence set and Queensland have quite a bit of work to do there."

On debut, Ellie Johnston scored a try, made 16 tackles for no misses and ran for 65 metres, setting the tone and platform for the Blues' halves and outside backs to capitalise in attacking opportunities.

The Blues and new coach John Strange will be hoping this win isn't reminiscent of 2024, where the Blues won Game I but lost the next two to concede the series.

The stage is set for Game II at Allianz Stadium on May 15.