Olivia Kernick delivered a standout performance to help New South Wales secure the women’s State of Origin series with a match to spare, as the Blues defeated Queensland 26–6 on Thursday night.

Kernick, who was controversially omitted from the Australian Test squad despite winning the 2024 NRLW Dally M Medal, crossed for two tries and laid on another as NSW backed up their game-one triumph with another dominant display at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium.

Following their emphatic 32–12 opening victory in Brisbane, John Strange’s side now hold an unassailable 2–0 lead in the best-of-three series. They will have the opportunity to complete a 3–0 whitewash in the dead rubber at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium on 29th May.

On a dreary, rain-soaked evening witnessed by a crowd of 16,026, Kernick stood tall. The Blues lock led from the front, topping the match with 169 running metres, and despite a nervy start, she more than made amends.

Queensland struck first when Lauren Brown grubbered into the NSW in-goal, and Kernick failed to secure the ball cleanly. Tamika Upton was on hand to pounce, scoring the opening try, which Brown converted to give the Maroons an early 6–0 lead.

However, Kernick soon responded with poise and power. First, she sent a well-timed pass to Simaima Taufa, who charged through defenders to level the scores. Moments later, Kernick bulldozed her way past three Queensland players and palmed off Upton to score under the posts, handing NSW a 12–6 lead at half-time.

Blues halfback Jesse Southwell played a crucial role in the second half, pinning Queensland deep with a smart cross-field kick. Off the resulting possession, Southwell’s precise cut-out pass set up winger Jayme Fressard, who touched down in the left corner.

Shortly after, Jaime Chapman sprinted over on the right flank to put NSW firmly in control, extending their advantage and edging them closer to the series victory.

Queensland’s hopes of a comeback were dashed when Upton was forced from the field with a hamstring injury, sustained while attempting to halt Chapman’s try. Although she tried to continue, the full-back eventually succumbed to the pain and exited the match.

Kernick put the result beyond doubt with her second try of the night, crashing over with just eight minutes remaining, sealing a commanding win and a second consecutive Origin victory for NSW.