The crazy finish that saw NSW win game two of women's State of Origin but Queensland the series on points aggregate has prompted both coaches to unite in calls for a three game series.
NSW were victorious by 18-14 on Thursday in a helter-skelter Origin classic in front of a record 18,275 fans at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville.
But they walked away series losers following an aggregate scoring system implemented for the two game fixtures, leaving both coaches mixed in their emotions and steadfast on change.
"We're both really confused on how to feel at the moment to be honest," said NSW coach Kylie Hilder alongside captain Kezie Apps.
"Yeah, we've just won a game of origin in Queensland, which is a massive feat, and it was such a battle in such a great game, but you feel still so defeated because we've lost a two game series by four points.
"That's how I feel and I've spoken to a lot of the girls. They feel the same.
"We were behind and they fought really hard to get back and win the game but then we walk away and that's it, it's all over for 2023."
Maroons coach Tahnee Norris shared a similar sentiment.
"It's a weird feeling at the moment," she said.
"To go to three games now - we're putting our hands up for it and going 'please, please, please, can we play these three games. We definitely deserve it."
"It would have been fantastic to now go into a third game and play it out as well.
"Every single game you go into Origin, you want to win it. It doesn't matter whether it's a dead rubber or not. You still want to win every single game. We'd like to see us go to three games so that we can play it out and win three zip."
The Maroons survived a second half onslaught by the Sky Blues and looked set for a 2-0 series victory until the final minute when Yasmin Clydsdale's attempted grounding was kicked out of her hands and a penalty try awarded.
NSW tried one last play with 70 minutes elapsed, but failed to reach the required 8 point aggregate difference to snatch the series.
United again even as opposition, both Hilder and Norris believe the women's game can grow to 80 minutes.
"I think the girls deserve to have a full 80 minutes now too, they're at that stage. Their fitness and their game management and everything - they deserve to have the 80 as well," Hilder said.
When prompted with the same question, Norris said she was all for it.
"Initially I think we just push for the three games and then we start working on that 80 minute game because that's what Test matches are," she said.
"These girls came back from a World Cup last year and they play 80 minute games in Test matches.
"If we want to showcase the best of women's footy, let's put it out there."
