A Farewell Field Goal and a New Chapter for Jesse Southwell
Jesse Southwell, the hometown hero from Newcastle, is set to make the move to Brisbane this weekend. However, before leaving, she delivered an unforgettable performance that will be remembered by fans for years to come. In the State of Origin opener, Southwell scored the first field goal of her remarkable career, leading New South Wales (NSW) to a 11-6 victory over Queensland.
Southwell has already built a strong reputation in her young career. At just 21 years old, she has won two NRLW titles with the Knights and has represented both her state and country on multiple occasions. Her journey in rugby league has been nothing short of impressive, but this particular moment in the Hunter region marked a new milestone.
The crucial field goal came in the final 10 minutes of the game when the score was tied at 6-6. After missing her first attempt, which was charged down by Destiny Brill, Southwell found the support of her teammate Olivia Kernick, who played a vital role in ensuring the second kick went through the posts. This moment not only secured the win for NSW but also marked a personal achievement for Southwell.
“I’ve never kicked a field goal in a real game before,” Southwell said after the match. “But that was cool. It was actually Kernick at that point. We had a discussion earlier when there was a break in play about setting up for a field goal. I went to the first one, she actually told me to do that one as well, which was so good, and then I missed that one. And then the second one came around and she was like, ‘Jesse, kick it now’. I was like, ‘Sweet’.”
Despite never having attempted a field goal in her 40-game NRLW career, Southwell’s coach, John Strange, had full confidence in her ability to deliver under pressure. He praised her positive mindset and self-belief, which are essential qualities for any player in high-stakes situations.
“Jesse backs herself,” Strange said. “For me as a coach, I want all these players to back themselves. That’s why they’re in this team. All 17 players that played tonight are exceptional athletes and very good footy players. For me, it’s about them backing their ability. Jesse is obviously guiding the team around, but icing a moment like that when it turns up is exactly what you want.”
Playing at the ground she has called home for four seasons with the Knights made the moment even more special for Southwell. The young playmaker displayed maturity beyond her years, reflecting on the emotions of the moment with a clear focus on the game’s outcome.
“I was just thinking about my next job because there were still a few minutes left, and I just knew the game wasn’t over yet,” she said. “Queensland have done it to NSW in the men’s game and the women’s game time and time again (when they win it late), so I was honestly just thinking about the next job and not losing the game from there.”
Southwell’s next chapter will begin in Brisbane, where she has signed with the defending premiers for the next two seasons. This move stunned the competition and added extra significance to her farewell performance in Newcastle. The field goal served as the perfect parting gift for the loyal fans of the Knights.
“I actually move on Sunday,” Southwell said. “I’ll take my bags up and move on Sunday and then I think we’ve got some stuff during the next week for the Broncos. But I’ve been flying back and forth a little bit which has been really good.”
With the series set to continue at Suncorp Stadium on May 14, Southwell and the Blues will aim to clinch the victory and solidify their place in history. As she moves forward in her career, the memories of her final game in Newcastle will remain a cherished moment in her journey.
