The Women's State of Origin series is upon us, and the stage is set for an electrifying showdown between the NSW Blues and the Queensland Maroons. This year's opener at Hunter Stadium in Newcastle promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with both teams boasting a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh talent. As the holders of the shield, the NSW Blues will be eager to defend their title, but they face a formidable challenge from the Maroons, who have won both previous encounters at this venue.
A Familiar Face Returns
NSW's team features a familiar face in Tegan Berry, who is set to make her Origin debut from the bench. Berry joins a squad that closely resembles last year's victorious team, with 14 members of the 2025 squad making the cut. Among them is Millie Elliott, who returns to the Origin arena after a brief hiatus due to motherhood. The spotlight shines on Tiana Penitani Gray, who takes on a new role in the backrow, a departure from her previous position in the halves.
Maroons' New Blood
Queensland, on the other hand, introduces new faces to the fray. The absence of stalwart Ali Brigginshaw, who has retired from rep footy, marks a significant change. The Maroons also bid farewell to Tarryn Aiken, their star halfback, who is recovering from an ACL injury. Despite these losses, Queensland welcomes back Lauren Brown, who kicked the winning drop goal in their 2024 victory in Newcastle. Her half partner, Chantay Kiria-Ratu, makes her Origin debut, adding to the team's depth. Additionally, Phoenix-Raine Hippi and Otesa Pule are set to make their Origin debuts, bringing fresh energy to the Maroons' lineup.
Late Change for the Maroons
In a strategic move, the Maroons made a late change to their lineup on Wednesday. Ivana Lolesio, who was initially named to start at centre, will now take her place on the bench, with Shenae Ciesiolka stepping into the starting lineup. This adjustment adds an intriguing layer of unpredictability to the game.
Broadcasting the Action
For those eager to witness the action, The Nine Network is the exclusive broadcaster of the Women's State of Origin series. Fans can tune in to Channel Nine or stream the match via the Nine Now app. The ABC Sport live blog will also provide comprehensive coverage, and listeners can catch the ABC live call on the ABC Listen app or through the provided link.
Kick-Off Times
The anticipation builds as fans across different time zones prepare for the kick-off. The opening match of the Women's State of Origin series will commence at 7:45 pm AEST, with NSW, Queensland, ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, and PNG tuning in. South Australia, Northern Territory, and Western Australia will join the action at 7:15 pm ACST and 5:45 pm AWST, respectively. New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa will have to wait until 9:45 pm and 10:45 pm to witness the thrilling encounter.
As the sun sets on April 30, 2026, the stage is set for a memorable Women's State of Origin match. Will the NSW Blues secure their third consecutive victory, or will the Queensland Maroons make it a hat-trick of triumphs? The answer lies on the field, where the players will battle it out with skill, determination, and a touch of magic. Join the conversation, share your predictions, and let the excitement build as we count down to the opening whistle.
