Only seven months ago, Kylie Hilder answered a game day SOS and came out of retirement to play for the NSW Women's State of Origin team at the age of 44.
That may have been tough but Hilder reckoned that playing was easier than coaching after Queensland claimed a controversial 8-6 win to spoil her debut as NSW mentor on Friday night.
Hilder completed a remarkable journey when she sat in the Sky Blues coach's box at Sunshine Coast Stadium alongside assistant, NSW's former Origin series-winning captain Geoff Toovey.
She took over the reins in 2021 from Andy Patmore after playing a surprise swansong Origin in last November's 24-18 loss to the Maroons at the same venue.
Hilder was initially part of the Sky Blues support staff after retiring two months earlier but earned a game day call-up last year when hooker Keeley Davis pulled out with a back injury.
Hilder enjoyed her coaching debut on Friday but admitted it was tougher than being on the field after watching helplessly as Queensland iced the victory with a penalty goal in the final minute.
NSW captain Kezie Apps accused Chelsea Lenarduzzi of "milking" the penalty when Filomina Hanisi pulled her leg as the Maroons prop tried to play the ball right in front of the posts.
The hard-fought clash held in miserable weather looked headed for golden point but NSW were left shattered when Queensland centre Lauren Brown slotted the match-winning penalty with just 20 seconds left.
"It is definitely a lot harder as coach," former Test and NSW No.9 Hilder said.
"You don't have any control once the girls are out on the field.
"As a player you can at least have some input, but I had full faith in the girls.
"It was just some silly mistakes. I think we bombed four tries.
"But I am super proud of the girls. My first coaching experience has been great."
Hilder was a part of history on Friday night after lining up against Queensland rookie coach and most capped Jillaroo Tahnee Norris, marking the first time both women's Origin teams boasted female mentors.
The game also had the first all-female on-field officials line-up after referee Belinda Sharpe ran out with touch judges Kailey Beattie and Karra-Lee Nolan.
But Hilder believes it may be some time yet before the women's game joins the men and adopts a best-of-three Origin series.
"After losing, definitely (want a three game Origin series)," Hilder said.
"Three games would be wonderful but until our athletes are full-time it is impossible for these girls to play three Origins and NRLW plus have a full-time job.
"Hopefully, we will get there one day."
Hilder also hopes the women's Origin clash will return to NSW next year after Queensland won the two games played on the Sunshine Coast since it was relocated from North Sydney Oval in 2019.
© AAP 2021
Image credit: Channel Nine