South Sydney Rabbitohs halfback and NSW State of Origin captain Maddie Studdon says it was an 'unreal' experience leading out her State as the Blues ran out 16-10 winners over Queensland.
A tough as nails contest between two of Australia's biggest sporting rivals, Studdon was at the heart of everything as she lifted her team to victory over the Maroons.
After signing countless autographs and photos with fans who had stormed the field after the game, Studdon said the experience was even better than what she was expecting.
"No it wasn't, but it's a dream come true and on home soil," said Studdon.
"I wouldn't want it any other way, I'm just really proud of the girls and their efforts."
With close to 7,000 people packing out North Sydney Oval, NSW was roared home by a sea of Blue, which Studdon believes was a key 'x-factor' in NSW's win.
"It's unreal, I don't think we could have done it without them," said a smiling Studdon.
"We can hear them cheering every single tackle, every single hit up and every single try and even in the last two minutes when we had to defend our line they were right with us."
With the game locked at 10-all with just minutes to go Studdon had to call upon all her experience to help guide her side to victory but the talented halfback said she couldn't have asked more from her teammates.
"Got to give credit to Queensland they've got a strong team all around and they came out very strong and physical but we just needed to stay composed," said Studdon.
"That's what I said to the girls we know we need to fight this whole 60 minutes I have so much respect for us girls because they never gave up."
