Queensland Origin star criticizes bizarre way series was concluded – and fans support her: ‘It’s rubbish, isn’t it? I think everyone here deserves better’
- Tamika Upton was left furious with the women’s Origin format
- Two-game series left players and fans feeling empty
- Queensland won series based on points total
- Upton didn’t mince words after game two
Queensland State of Origin star Tamika Upton has criticized the bizarre way the series was decided, stating that the current two match format is ‘bullshit and everyone deserves better’ despite the Maroons winning the title on Thursday night brought in.
And the fullback – who scored a trademark slash try in the first half – has plenty of fans who feel the same way, if social media is any guide.
The Maroons raised the interstate shield based on point total – even though they lost 18-14 to the Blues in Townsville.
NSW were beaten 18-10 in game one in Sydney earlier this month meaning they needed to win by at least nine points to claim the series on aggregate points.
In previous years, the Women’s Origin was decided by one clash – and now there is increasing demand for the series to be held over three matches.
Queensland Origin star Tamika Upton (pictured, centre) has criticized the bizarre way the series was decided, stating after the game that the current format is ‘bullshit and everyone deserves better’
NSW center Jess Sergis also felt hollow at the final whistle – despite the Blues winning match two 18-14 in Townsville
‘It’s nonsense, isn’t it? I think everyone here deserves better,” Upton told the ABC.
“We appreciate the extra game, but with results like that you wonder if you would rather play that one game. It’s tough as a competitor.’
Gun NSW center Jess Sergis also felt hollow at the final whistle.
“It’s a bizarre feeling and so frustrating,” she said.
“If we’d had a three game run this was our chance to get redemption and we would have had one more to knock it out and win, but we only have two games.”
On Twitter, the lack of a third game was a huge talking point.
“Crazy how we have to endure third man lineage and look at NSW [potentially] lose a game that doesn’t even matter… but we can’t get a decider for the women’s game [NSW] actually could win,” tweeted sports presenter Lavendel Baj.
Another fan posted, “Tamika is right. It is the epitome of disrespect from the NRL, not delivering 3 games. There is no justification.’
“Absolutely idiotic decision to have only 2 games for the #WomensOrigin series… Citing player wellbeing and growth is a loophole. The girls deserve better,” wrote a third supporter.
‘She is [Upton] right. It is the epitome of disrespect from the NRL, not delivering 3 games. There is no justification,” a fourth fan added.