2026 Draw Debrief: Gold Coast to host potential Origin decider

The Westpac NSW Blues Women will be hoping it's third time lucky when they take on the Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons at McDonald Jones Stadium to launch the 2026 Ampol State of Origin series.

The Maroons have prevailed twice in Newcastle in the past two years, avoiding a Blues whitewash in 2025 with a gutsy 18-14 win, while their 11-10 victory in 2024 has been etched into Origin folklore.

With less than two minutes left on the clock, Lauren Brown stepped up to slot a perfect field goal, completing a special come-from-behind victory for the visitors who then went on the claim the series with a win in Townsville.

For Game Two in 2026 however, the Blues will feel confident of keeping their winning record intact at Suncorp Stadium, with Queensland yet to win a game at their iconic home stadium in the 'State of Origin' era.

New South Wales have posted consecutive dominant victories at the venue in 2024 and 2024, headlined by a try that was shown around the world in 2024 from Jaime Chapman. 

For the first time since 2016, the Gold Coast will play host to women's interstate action after last staging a men's State of Origin match in 2021 when all three matches were staged in Queensland during the COVID-19 protocols. 

Known as the Women's Interstate Challenge back then before becoming State of Origin in 2018, the Blues prevailed in a close 8-4 win, with both sides scoring one try apiece.

Players who featured in that match for New South Wales and were part of last year's series triumph are household names in the NRLW now, with Kezie Apps, Isabelle Kelly and Simaima Taufa all captains of their clubs. 

With the expanded NRLW season showcasing more talent each year and interest in the women's game reaching new heights in attendance and viewership, the 2026 State of Origin series is not to be missed.