Queensland have lost the Women's State of Origin series to NSW but coach Nathan Cross insists his youthful team will prosper in the future after being taught tough lessons.
The Blues' 14-10 win in game two at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night gave them a 2-0 lead in the three-match series which will conclude at the Gold Coast on May 28.
The Maroons had seven players in the starting side alone - including Rory Owen, Ivana Lolesio, Jasmine Peters, Chantay Kiria-Ratu, Otesa Pule, Destiny Brill and Sienna Lofipo - between the ages of 21 and 23.
"As a coach I have shown in my time at the Dragons, and now in Origin, that I am not afraid of people's ages," Cross said.
"I am prepared to back young players if I feel they are the best people to wear the jersey and I firmly believe the teams we have been picking have earnt it. I will continue to do that."
Centre Owen, just 22, would have been player of the match if the Maroons had won. Her powerhouse 125m, two line breaks, seven tackle busts and a try were highlights as she enjoyed a classic battle with NSW great Jessica Sergis.
"She is special," Cross said.
"Rory is a footy player with raw speed ... and speed is power. We saw that tonight and I don't think she realises how good she can be.
"She certainly announced herself."
The talents of 21-year-old No.6 Kiria-Ratu also stood out. Her enormous boot is the most impressive in the women's game and her silky skills and strength will only increase with experience.
It is why Cross, with the support of captain Tamika Upton and veteran half Lauren Brown, will continue to promote youth.
"I am proud of the young girls. The series is done but they will be so much better for the experience this year and that is what we will be looking to take out of it," he said.
Upton was crestfallen after the loss in what is her first series as skipper. Avoiding a whitewash is a priority.
"That will be really crucial for this group. It is two tight matches we haven't been able to be seal and to be honest that is my job as a leader and I will wear that," she said.
"The young girls we have are incredible and none of them should have their head down. They were outstanding on this stage against a fairly established side. I want those young girls to have all the confidence in the world."
The Maroons did not deserve to win the series despite the loss in Brisbane coming down to the final seconds, when Blues winger Teagan Berry just pushed a boot of opposite number Peters into touch before she scored.
"We had our chances and couldn't quite get it done," Cross said.
"They are a great group to coach and I knew we would have a late rally in us.
"Errors killed us... 16 errors and 57 per cent completion. You just can't win games of footy like that but we were millimetres off snatching it late."
