Tonight's women's State of Origin clash was soured by sickening injuries in both camps, as Queensland slotted a late penalty goal to win 8-6 at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
The first occurred in the 12th minute when Blues lock Hannah Southwell fell to ground with a "lateral ankle sprain", according to top sports physio Brien Seeney. She hit the ground clutching at her left ankle and threw her right arm in the air immediately, calling out for help.
That was followed by a head knock to Queensland winger Karina Brown in the 44th minute, when she tried to tackle NSW centre Isabelle Kelly low and was clobbered by her left knee.
Eels legend Peter Sterling grimaced at the sight of Southwell's injury.
"Straight away the hand went up to the sideline to say, 'I'm in all sorts here'," Sterling said on Nine's coverage.
Former NSW star Allana Ferguson added: "She's as tough as it gets, too, Hannah Southwell. So she must be in some serious strife if she's staying down."
Incorrect tackling technique was then the big talking point when Brown was forced to leave play due to her head knock.
"It's poor technique there; the head is in the wrong position," Sterling said.
"It's in front of the knee; you need to get the head in behind the legs."
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