Blues and Maroons Set to Clash in Newcastle Origin Opener
The State of Origin arena returns to Newcastle this Wednesday as the Westpac NSW Blues Women’s team hosts the Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons in the opening match of the 2026 series. Still, the Blues will be looking to overcome a challenging record at McDonald Jones Stadium, where Queensland has secured victories in both previous encounters – a one-point thriller in 2024 and another closely contested match last year.
Team Dynamics and Key Absences
The Blues enter the series as the current shield holders, boasting a largely settled lineup. However, they will be without the influential Simaima Taufa, still recovering from a wrist injury, and the versatile Emma Verrans, unavailable due to family commitments. Coach John Strange has named 14 players from the team that won the 2025 series, with debutant Tegan Berry named on the bench and former Jillaroos prop Millie Elliott returning after maternity leave. A positional change sees Tiana Penitani Gray move from the halves to second row.
The Maroons, meanwhile, face a reshuffled spine following the retirement of legend Ali Brigginshaw, an ACL injury to Tarryn Aiken, and the withdrawal of Hayley Maddick. Coach Nathan Cross has entrusted Chantay Kiria-Ratu and Lauren Brown with guiding the team in the halves. Kiwi prop Otesa Pule is set to feature thanks to recent changes in Origin eligibility rules, whereas Phoenix-Raine Hippi will make her Origin debut on the wing. Ivania Lolesio comes into the centres for her Origin debut, with Shenae Ciesiolka shifting to the bench.
Rule Stability and Statistical Insights
Fans can expect a familiar rule set for the 2026 Women’s State of Origin, with regulations remaining virtually unchanged from 2025. This includes four players on the bench and the absence of set re-starts.
Statistically, the Blues dominated the 2025 series, outscoring the Maroons 72-36. The Blues’ squad features a strong contingent of seven Sydney Roosters players, while the Maroons will field three uncapped State of Origin players. Historically, the Blues have a significant advantage in total Origin games played, with 122 matches compared to the Maroons’ 91.
The Growing Momentum of Women’s State of Origin
The Women’s State of Origin series has rapidly gained prominence in recent years, mirroring the broader growth of women’s rugby league. The increased visibility and investment in the women’s game are attracting larger audiences and fostering a latest generation of fans. The stability of the rules for 2026 demonstrates a commitment to allowing the game to develop organically and build on its existing momentum.
The inclusion of players like Otesa Pule, enabled by changes to eligibility rules, highlights the increasing internationalization of the game and the broadening talent pool available to both states. This trend is likely to continue, further enhancing the competitiveness and excitement of the series.
FAQ
Q: Where is the first game of the 2026 Women’s State of Origin series being played?
A: McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.
Q: Which team won the 2025 Women’s State of Origin series?
A: The New South Wales Blues.
Q: How many players are on the bench in the Women’s State of Origin?
A: Four.
Q: Are set re-starts allowed in the Women’s State of Origin?
A: No.
Q: Who is the coach of the NSW Blues Women’s team?
A: John Strange.
Q: Who is the coach of the Queensland Maroons Women’s team?
A: Nathan Cross.
Did you know? The Maroons have won both previous Origin matches played at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Pro Tip: Preserve an eye on the halves pairings for both teams – the dynamic between Lauren Brown and Chantay Kiria-Ratu for the Maroons and Jesse Southwell and Jocelyn Kelleher for the Blues will be crucial to dictating the flow of the game.
What are your predictions for the 2026 Women’s State of Origin series? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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