New South Wales (W) v Queensland (W)
TEAMS: 2025 State of Origin Series
9 days ago | LeagueUnlimited Media
NSW v QLD Womens' Origin III preview
History is on the line in Newcastle as the New South Wales Blues aim to complete the first-ever clean sweep in Women's State of Origin history.
After a commanding 26-6 win in Game Two at Allianz Stadium, the Blues have already secured their maiden series win since the contest expanded to three games last year.
With Thursday's clash technically a dead rubber, the pressure is now on Queensland to restore some pride and avoid a whitewash — but they'll need to do so without several key players.
Game Two followed a similar script to the opener, with the Blues pack simply overwhelming the Maroons through the middle. NSW dominated possession and field position, finishing with 1648 running metres and five tries to one. Olivia Kernick was the standout, setting up one try and scoring two herself, as the Blues forwards set the platform and the backline capitalised.
With an unchanged 17 for the third match in a row, NSW coach John Strange will be confident his side can maintain their form and feed off the energy of a home crowd at a sold-out McDonald Jones Stadium.
The Maroons, meanwhile, have had to make several changes. Star fullback Tamika Upton is out with a hip injury, replaced by debutant Hayley Maddick, while Keilee Joseph is also unavailable. Veteran Ali Brigginshaw shifts to lock, with Lauren Brown moving from hooker to halfback in a reshuffled spine. Destiny Brill reclaims the starting hooker role, and Sharks rookie Georgia Hannaway is set to debut off the bench.
Queensland will take inspiration from their dramatic one-point win in Newcastle last year, but they'll need to fix their defensive lapses and gain traction through the middle if they want to salvage Game Three.
Last meeting: 2025 Game II - NSW 26 QLD 6, Allianz Stadium
Who to Watch
All eyes will be on Lauren Brown for the visitors, who now has the responsibility of guiding the Maroons' attack from halfback. Her kicking game and composure under pressure could be key to shifting momentum.
Jayme Fressard has been electric on the wing for New South Wales, scoring three tries across the opening two games. With her blistering pace and smart positioning, she'll be a major threat once again.
Favourite
The Blues are clear favourites heading into Game Three after taking an unassailable 2-0 series lead.
My Tip
NSW have been the dominant force all series, and with no changes to their line-up, the continuity and cohesion in their combinations, especially through the forwards, will once again give them the edge. Queensland's reshuffled spine and injury woes are likely to leave them playing catch-up. Blues by 8.
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 Verran 18. Olivia Higgins 19. Shaylee Bent 20. Brydie Parker
1. Hayley Maddick 2. Julia Robinson 3. Shenae Ciesiolka 4. Rory Owen 5. Jasmine Peters 6. Tarryn Aiken 7. Lauren Brown 8. Makenzie Weale 9. Destiny Brill 10. Jessika Elliston 11. Sienna Lofipo 12. Romy Teitzel 13. Ali Brigginshaw 14. Georgia Hannaway 15. Sophie Holyman 16. Chelsea Lenarduzzi 17. Tavarna Papalii 18. Jada Ferguson 19. Emily Bass