Jaime Chapman's last few major appearances make for impressive reading: three tries in an NRLW Grand Final, two tries in the NRL All Stars, one try for the Jillaroos and a length-of-the-field solo effort in Women's State of Origin to cap off a stunning 22-12 upset win.
As one who thrives on the big stage, Chapman added to her ever-growing highlights reel with a dazzling breakaway try which left the record crowd at Suncorp Stadium stunned after roaring to life in anticipation.
The talented 22-year-old – who can play wing, centre or back row – finished the night with 170 run metres, four tackle breaks and one remarkable four-pointer.
"When I see space, I just want to run for it," Chapman said after the game.
“I’m so lanky and have got the longest legs so it doesn’t really work, but I guess it did this time. I just saw the space and decided to step out on the outside and it worked out for me, so I just kept running!
“The atmosphere was incredible, 25,000 people there and when I looked up on the screen, you could hear the roar so it was really, really cool to have that at a women's game.
“It was definitely the loudest crowd that I've ever played in front of."
Maroons v Sky Blues – Game 1, 2024
The Titans star's effort came as New South Wales roared out of the blocks against Queensland, with Emma Tonegato's effort after five minutes followed by Chapman's swerving run to give the Sky Blues a 12-0 lead after 10 minutes.
The Maroons' start to the game will come under focus after much was made in the lead-up to the game of how different the preparations had been – Queensland players having several weeks of game time in the domestic competition while New South Wales players undertook a seven-week training camp together.
Chapman – along with Kezie Apps, Keeley Davis and Olivia Kernick – did both, with Chapman praising her Tweed Seagulls teammate Kernick for her role in setting the tone early for the side after her positional switch to the middle.
“That strong start we had at the start of the game was amazing, I’m so proud of everyone, everyone did their job," Chapman said.
"We had a game plan and all forwards stuck to it and she’s in a new role, but Olivia's so game smart and game aware. She knows what's going on and she's level-headed too, so she keeps them in their place and tells them where to go.
“She's such a strong leader and she fits really well into that lock position. For New South Wales, in Origin, she's stepped up and she really made lock her own.”
Jaime Chapman Try
A former Bronco, Chapman was well used to the atmosphere of Suncorp Stadium and marvelled at the 25,492 record crowd – calling on Newcastle fans to repeat the process as the Sky Blues look to officially win back the shield on June 6.
“We know Newcastle fans really step up when it comes to their home games at the McDonald Jones Stadium so I think it would be really nice to actually go to Newcastle and have fans backing me," she laughed.
“They're very loud and very supportive of their team.
“But when it's the Blues, I'm really excited to be able to play in front of the Newcastle fans. Hopefully we can get as many fans as we can supporting us Sky Blues and the Queenslanders can hear them nice and loud on the field.”
This article contains content that is only available on NRL.com