Both sides seemed destined to score multiple times late in the first-half – but brilliant defence prevailed, keeping the contest even at the break.

The Blues took back the lead six minutes into the second stanza – and it was again their potent left edge that did the damage. Following a succession of beautiful long passes, the ball found Davis-Welsh on the wing who deftly stepped inside to score.

Studdon couldn’t add the extras, leaving NSW with a four-point buffer.

Still, the Maroons refused to give in, returning serve with a try of their own. It was another wide shift that provided them with success as Brown notched her second try.

Faced with the jeers of a parochial Blues crowd as she readied her conversion from the touchline, Baker’s kick cruelly smacked the upright and bounced away; the score remaining 10-all.

With six minutes to go, NSW struck the winning blow. Studdon’s last-tackle kick was charged down by the Queensland defence, and O’Mealey latched onto the ball to gift the Blues another set close to the line.

Three tackles were all they’d need to crack the Maroons’ line. Bremner floated across the field brilliantly, opening up space for Kelly to dive over for the deciding try – and her double.

Studdon’s conversion never looked like missing, pushing the Blues ahead to a six-point lead.

The Maroons tried to no avail in the final seconds, but NSW deservedy ran out winners.