NSW match-winner Maddie Studdon has credited the father of Cronulla pair Jayden and Blayke with reviving her love of rugby league and her game.
Studdon capped a tumultuous 12 months by playing a leading hand in the Blues' 14-4 Women's State of Origin victory over Queensland on Friday, taking out the Nellie Doherty Medal for player of the match.
She was instrumental as NSW overturned a 14-4 halftime deficit - setting up Shakiah Tungus' try before sealing the side's fourth straight win with a four-pointer of her own.
While NSW's fifth tackle options were disorganised in the first half, her kicking game was crucial as they took control in the second 30 minutes.
"We were very calm. We weren't stressed at all. We knew we had the team to do it," Studdon said.
"We knew we just didn't have enough ball yet. We just believed in the sisterhood that we have in this team."
Studdon proved a difference-maker however just a few months ago her place in the NSW side was uncertain.
She was dropped by the Sydney Roosters for the tail-end of their 2018 NRLW campaign, including their grand final loss to Brisbane.
And earlier this month she announced she will move to St George Illawarra for this year's NRLW.
She denies being axed by the Tri-Colours dented her confidence or contributed to her exit to the Dragons.
Studdon takes ownership for her form in the second half of 2018 and admits she was distracted by "outside noise".
The 24-year-old last year caused a stir and became a poster girl for the plight of women's sport when she revealed she lost her job as a result of asking for time off to enter NSW camp.
She says her stint with Cronulla in the NSW Women's Premiership this year turned around her fortunes after she came under the coaching of Glenn Brailey, the father of Sharks NRL hooking pair Jayden and Blayke.
"There's a good culture at the Sharkies," Studdon said.
"We all just got along, we've been working hard, it was probably the hardest pre-season that I've had.
"And just the coaching - Glenn Brailey is a really good coach. He has constructive feedback on everyone. Girls can actually take it on board and they're not offended.
"He's really turned me into the good player that I am today. Just eyes-up footy, simple, numbers plays, not over-thinking things, being patient. And that's coming from him."
Australian Associated Press
