'Shift the momentum': Higgins embracing new role as Blues shift focus
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NSW hooker Olivia Higgins has declared her one-two punch with starting dummy half Keeley Nizza can be even more potent as the Blues turn their focus to wrapping up the State of Origin series.
Higgins changed the momentum when she came off the bench late in the first half in Thursday's series opener, the 33-year-old helping NSW produce a come-from-behind victory in front of more than 20,000 fans at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Southwell puts the Blues in front
The Newcastle native capitalised on tired bodies around the ruck to put her side on the front foot with ball in hand, while she was also busy in defence to help slow the Maroons forwards.
With the focus of the series now shifting to Brisbane, Higgins recognises how important her role will be in the Blues' bid to retain the Origin shield.
"[Coach John Strange] wanted me to tighten up the middle with my defence," Higgins said. "That's something I've worked really hard at.
"Then there were a few opportunities around the ruck [with the ball], I wanted to do what I can to shift that momentum.
"I'm stoked to be in the 17, I'll do whatever the team needs to play my part and put my best foot forward."
Match: Blues Women v Maroons
Game 1 -
home Team
Blues Women
away Team
Maroons
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Thursday's match marked Higgins' return to the Origin arena after an injury-interrupted lead up to last year's series.
NSW trailed 6-0 when the Novocastrian was injected into the fray in the 27th minute. By the time she finished a 25-minute stint either side of half-time, the scores were tied 6-6 and the Blues were in complete control.
Halfback Jesse Southwell put the side up with a 62nd minute field goal before Jessica Sergis secured the victory with a try as the final siren sounded to make it 11-6.
Higgins produced two darting runs from dummy half late in the first half to put her team on the front foot, the second drawing a penalty. After the break she produced a crafty inside ball for Ellie Johnston to crash over for the try that levelled the scores.
Ellie Johnston Try
Blues captain Isabelle Kelly felt the momentum shift the moment Higgins came on to the field and expects the veteran to have a similar impact in Game Two in Brisbane.
"Liv was great," Kelly said. "In the back end of the first half she was taking some great runs and we weren't pushing up with her enough.
"She's such a smart footballer. To have her coming off the bench, taking those carries, getting us on the front foot was huge and shifts the whole momentum."
Thursday's match was the only game of this year's series in NSW, with Game Two to be played at Suncorp Stadium on May 14 as part of Magic Round. The contest will conclude at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast on May 28.
Higgin's journey to the Origin arena is a remarkable tale of persistence, the school teacher contemplating retirement a couple of years ago before deciding to have one last crack at achieving her rugby league dreams.
The decision paid off as she earned NSW and Australian selection in 2024.
Master in the middle: Debutant Higgins ready for Origin dream
An injury picked up playing for the Jillaroos in that year's Pacific Championships ultimately left her on the back foot leading into last season's Origin campaign and she watched the Blues' triumph from the sidelines.
Having endured such a tough run to get back into the NSW setup, Higgins is determined to make the most of every chance she gets in the sky blue jumper as she chases her first series victory.
"There's definitely room for improvement in my game and what I need to do for next time," Higgins said. "You can never be too prepared for Origin, it's a different beast and I just did what I could out there.
"As a team we were clunky and there are many areas we need to be better. That's expected, it's the first game but we need to tidy up a lot of areas and there's a lot of improvement needed for Game Two."
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