A Farewell Field Goal and a New Chapter for Jesse Southwell
Jesse Southwell, the hometown hero from Newcastle, is set to make a big move this weekend as she prepares to relocate to Brisbane. However, before leaving, she delivered a memorable performance that will be remembered by fans for years to come. Southwell scored the first field goal of her career during the State of Origin opener, helping NSW secure a 11-6 victory over Queensland.
Southwell has already made a name for herself in rugby league, winning two NRLW titles with the Knights and representing both her state and country. Her talent and dedication have earned her a place among the best in the sport, but this particular moment was especially significant.
The game was closely contested, with both teams tied at 6-6 heading into the final 10 minutes. It was then that Southwell stepped up and kicked a crucial one-pointer, breaking the deadlock and giving the Blues the lead. The field goal came after her first attempt was charged down by Destiny Brill, but teammate Olivia Kernick played a key role in ensuring the second attempt went through the posts.
“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 kicked a field goal in her 40-game NRLW career, Southwell’s coach, John Strange, believed she was the right person for the job.
“The fact that she did that after the first time is just a testament to who she is,” Strange said. “She’s got a really strong positive mindset as a young half, which you obviously need. She backs herself. 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 called home for four seasons with the Knights made the moment even more special for Southwell. The young playmaker showed maturity beyond her years when reflecting on the emotions of the moment.
“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.”
Her next chapter in the NRLW will be with the defending premiers, the Broncos, as she stunned the competition by signing with the team for the next two seasons. This move makes the field goal even more symbolic as a farewell gift before she leaves the region.
Southwell will officially move to Brisbane on Sunday, but she’ll still have some commitments with the Broncos in the coming weeks. She has been flying back and forth between the cities, which has been a great experience for her.
With the series set to continue at Suncorp Stadium on May 14, Southwell and the Blues will look to clinch the victory in front of a new fanbase. Her journey from Newcastle to Brisbane is a testament to her hard work, determination, and the impact she has made on the sport.
