Women's Origin Game One: Blues v Maroons
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The 2026 Ampol Women's State of Origin series kicks off in rugby league heartland in Newcastle with the Westpac NSW Blues looking to defend the shield after last year's 2-1 triumph.
The Blues also have some unfinished business in Newcastle after letting a clean sweep slip through their fingers in Game Three last year, the Maroons restoring pride with an 18-14 victory.
Under the guidance of rookie coach Nathan Cross the Maroons enter the series with a new-look side that includes Chantay Kiria-Ratu and Lauren Brown in the halves and Titans wing sensation Phoenix-Raine Hippi.
With Game One so pivotal to the entire series this promises to be an epic contest and you can follow all the action on NRL.com's live blog.
NSW Blues v Queensland Maroons at McDonald Jones Stadium
Match: Blues Women v Maroons
Game 1 -
home Team
Blues Women
away Team
Maroons
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Late Mail
NSW: The Blues line up 1-17 with no late changes. Corban Baxter is the reserve and Rima Butler is the last player to drop out of the squad an hour before kick-off. Coach John Strange has selected 14 players from the team which claimed last year’s Ampol Women’s State of Origin series in his squad to face Queensland in the series opener. The new faces include debutant Teagan Berry, who has been named on the bench, and former Jillaroos prop Millie Elliott, who returns after having a baby.
Maroons: No further changes an hour before kick-off after debutante Ivania Lolesio came into the starting side on Wednesday and Shenae Ciesiolka shifted to the bench. Brianna Clark dropped out as a result. “Mini (Lolesio) coming into the starting role, we thought that was best for us at the moment balance-wise, with her and Phoenix (Raine Hippi) having played footy together," Maroons assistant coach Ty Williams said. "Shenae gives up a bit of coverage and also options as well of where we need to put her, wing, centre and potentially can fill in at fullback as well, so the versatility piece was important for us.” Destiny Brill is the reserve.
Numbers Game
- In their 2025 series win, the Blues outscored the Maroons 72-36.
- The Blues’ line-up includes seven Sydney Roosters players.
- The Maroons line-up of 17 includes three uncapped State of Origin players.
- The Blues have played 122 Origin games compared to the Maroons’ 91.
- The Maroons have won both Origin matches at McDonald Jones Stadium.
