Queensland (W) v New South Wales (W)
PREVIEW: 2025 Women's State of Origin Game I
4 hours ago | Kelly Hollis
PREVIEW: 2025 Women's State of Origin Game I
The 2025 Women's State of Origin series marks the eighth official meeting between New South Wales and Queensland, and the second year of the competition being a three-game series.
The series kicks off with Game 1 in Brisbane on 1 May, as a curtain raiser to the NRL Magic Round. This match will be especially exciting, with Queensland's dominant 2024 series win still fresh in the minds of players and fans alike. The Maroons clinched a 2-1 victory over the Sky Blues last year, but NSW came out strong in the opening game before Queensland made a comeback to take the series. Now, the stage is set for another thrilling encounter, as both teams prepare for a fresh, yet fiercely competitive, battle.
Under the guidance of head coach Tahnee Norris, Queensland has blended youth and experience with six players added to the side to potentially make their Maroons debut. Among these are rising stars like Parramatta's Jasmine Peters and emerging talents such as Georgia Hannaway, Hayley Maddick, and Jada Ferguson. Despite the new faces, the Maroons maintain their strong core, led by co-captains Ali Brigginshaw and Tamika Upton. Brigginshaw brings invaluable leadership and a proven winning mentality, while Upton's scintillating performances, including her Dally M-winning season in 2023, continue to inspire. The squad features 10 players from the Brisbane Broncos, although key figures like Emma Manzelmann and Zahara Temara are notably absent due to selection decisions. While missing a few familiar faces, the Maroons are still poised to make a serious impact.
NSW enters the series with a new head coach, John Strange, and some significant squad changes. He has called up four debutants, including Abbi Church, Jayme Fressard, Ellie Johnston, and Jocelyn Kelleher, marking a new chapter for the Blues Women. After losing the 2024 series, NSW has shifted leadership roles, elevating Isabelle Kelly to sole captain while Tiana Penitani Gray steps in as vice-captain. With the return of star winger Jaime Chapman, who's recovered from a spinal injury, the Blues are eager to put last year's disappointment behind them. However, the biggest story will be the new halves pairing of Jesse Southwell and Penitani Gray. Despite being a fresh combination, their potential to create magic on the field has fans excited. A key player in the pack, Simaima Taufa, will also bring her experience and physicality to the front row, making her 11th Origin appearance. The Sky Blues are slight favourites, but with a few fresh faces and some new leadership dynamics, it'll be interesting to see how they gel.
Last meeting: Game III 2024 - Maroons 22 Blues 6
Players to Watch: Keep an eye on rookie Rory Owen. After a strong debut season with the Parramatta Eels, Owen has the speed and skill to make an immediate impact in Origin. Her playmaking ability and try-scoring prowess make her a potential game-changer for the Maroons.
Jesse Southwell is undoubtedly one of the stars of the show. At just 20 years old, Southwell is already one of the best halfbacks in women's rugby league. Her partnership with Tiana Penitani Gray could prove crucial in setting the tone for the Blues' attack.
Favourite: The NSW Blues Women are the slight favourites, despite the game being played in Queensland.
My Tip: With both teams featuring several debutants and new combinations, Game 1 is sure to be a tightly contested affair. The Blues have a slight edge in experience and leadership, especially with Kelly and Southwell in key positions. While Queensland's fresh talent is impressive, I believe NSW will edge out the Maroons in a tight contest. NSW by 4.
1. Tamika Upton 2. Julia Robinson 3. Shenae Ciesiolka 4. Rory Owen 5. Jasmine Peters 6. Tarryn Aiken 7. Ali Brigginshaw 8. Keilee Joseph 9. Lauren Brown 10. Jessika Elliston 11. Sienna Lofipo 12. Romy Teitzel 13. Destiny Brill 14. Jada Ferguson 15. Sophie Holyman 16. Makenzie Weale 17. Tavarna Papalii 18. Georgia Hannaway 19. Chelsea Lenarduzzi 20. Hayley Maddick
1. Abbi Church 2. Jaime Chapman 3. Jessica Sergis 4. Isabelle Kelly 5. Jayme Fressard 6. Tiana Penitani 7. Jesse Southwell 8. Simaima Taufa 9. Keeley Davis 10. Ellie Johnston 11. Kezie Apps 12. Yasmin Clydsdale 13. Olivia Kernick 14. Jocelyn Kelleher 15. Kennedy Cherrington 16. Sarah Togatuki 17. Emma Tonegato 18. Shaylee Bent 19. Kirra Dibb 20. Olivia Higgins
Referees: Belinda Sharpe; Sideline Officials: Daniel Luttringer, Kieren Irons; Video Referees: Adam Gee;