Maroons coach Nathan Cross is embracing the tough test ahead to deny New South Wales a series whitewash and said this year’s challenging campaign will only help grow Queensland in the future.
Cross named his Game III team on Wednesday, with the side missing captain Tamika Upton, reigning Golden Boot winner Julia Robinson and forward Makenzie Weale, all ruled out with injury.
However, he backed his young crop to come in and do their job, with forward Lillian Yarrow to debut from the bench, while Titans and Samoa back Destiny Mino-Sinopati will start at fullback.
“Some big outs there for us, lots of experience that we'll be missing, but excited about what might come in,” Cross said.
“Destiny Mino-Sinapati's done a great job.
“She's been part of our program for a couple of years now.
“I was really hoping to get her a game this year, I didn't know how that would happen, I've explained that to her unfortunately it comes through injury to Tamika, but she's earned it.
“She's an incredible trainer, she's very professional, she's really impressed the senior players here and all the coaching staff, and she's a great human.
“She brings a heap of energy and I'm so excited to give her debut next Thursday.
“The biggest thing for D is that you don't need to be Tamika Upton, there's only one Tamika, they're totally different players, different strengths, and skillsets and you can't replace Tamika Upton.
“Destiny Mino-Sinapati will bring a different type of energy, a different type of style, and she's playing on her home turf at Cbus and I'm so excited for her.”
Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons squad announced for Origin III
Huge underdogs going in the final game on the Gold Coast, Cross took positives in knowing how close his side has been – despite shooting themselves in the foot it both games.
“I think if you look at the first two games, with 30 seconds to go in both, both games were live, either team could have won,” Cross said.
“Unfortunately for us, we didn't win either of those games and now that's the series done, but I think if you look at it logically, independently and try to look at it realistically, in both those games, I think we're rank outsiders in both.
“I think we've surprised a lot of people with the squad that we have and how close the games have been.
“But at the end of the day, you want to win Origin games and you want to win a series and we haven't managed to do that, so for me now, for this year, this series has got to mean something.
“We want to finish with a win of course, but I want to look back upon 2026 and know that we've introduced a number of new players to the Queensland Maroons jersey this year.
“They'll be better for it in time and our future's in really good shape now.
“We've got more depth than we've ever had and if this year can be known for anything, it might be the year that we unearth a number of players who will play Origin for a long time.”
Local Gold Coast Titans forward Jessika Elliston echoed her coach’s positivity around the potential of the side.
“I have so much belief in this team,” Elliston said.
“Our job this year is not done.
“As a team, we know exactly what we need to do.
“We need to cut those errors and we need really show up and ice the opportunities, because if we give ourselves an opportunity, we’re a completely different team.
“(And) being a Titans girl, I’m really excited about it being at Cbus.
“The Gold Coast loves its footy, so it’ll be special.”
Match: Maroons v Blues Women
Game 3 -
home Team
Maroons
away Team
Blues Women
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
- Get your tickets HERE!
Tickets available from $20 for Adults, $10 for kids and $40 for families.
