New South Wales are chasing their first Women’s State of Origin win in Newcastle, having lost both previous fixtures at the venue. Captain Isabelle Kelly insists the side embraces the challenge, with strong home‑state support expected in the stands.
The Blues enter Game 1 with a new halves combination, led by rising star Jesse Southwell, who returns to Newcastle for the series opener. Her pairing with Jocelyn Kelleher will be under close watch as NSW look to control the tempo.
Queensland boast significant strike across the park, with Tamika Upton at fullback providing speed, support play and Origin‑level experience. The Maroons’ backline shapes as a key weapon against a reshaped NSW defensive line.
This is the only Women’s State of Origin match scheduled in NSW in 2026, with the series opener again drawing attention to Newcastle as a growing stronghold for the women’s game.
Team News – Player Line‑ups
NSW Blues Women vs Queensland Maroons
NSW Blues Player
No.
Position
No.
Queensland Maroons Player
Abbi Church
1
Fullback
1
Tamika Upton
Jaime Chapman
2
Winger
2
Julia Robinson
Jessica Sergis
3
Centre
3
Rory Owen
Isabelle Kelly (c)
4
Centre
4
Shenae Ciesiolka
Jayme Fressard
5
Winger
5
Phoenix‑Raine Hippi
Jocelyn Kelleher
6
Five‑Eighth
6
Chantay Kiria‑Ratu
Jesse Southwell
7
Halfback
7
Lauren Brown
Millie Elliott
8
Prop
8
Makenzie Weale
Keeley Nizza
9
Hooker
9
Jada Ferguson
Ellie Johnston
10
Prop
10
Jessika Elliston
Tiana Penitani Gray
11
Second Row
11
Sienna Lofipo
Yasmin Meakes
12
Second Row
12
Romy Teitzel
Olivia Kernick
13
Lock
13
Keilee Joseph
Interchange Benches
NSW Blues Interchange
No.
Role
No.
Queensland Maroons Interchange
Olivia Higgins
14
Interchange
14
Emma Manzelmann
Kennedy Cherrington
15
Interchange
15
Otesa Pule
Kezie Apps
16
Interchange
16
Chelsea Lenarduzzi
Teagan Berry
17
Interchange
17
Brianna Clark
Reserves / Replacements
NSW Blues
No.
Status
No.
Queensland Maroons
Corban Baxter
18
Replacement
18
Ivana Lolesio
Rima Butler
19
Reserve
19
Destiny Brill
Line‑ups listed as named. Subject to late changes.
Quick Form Check (At a Glance)
New South Wales Blues Women: L – W – W – L – L Queensland MaroonsWomen: W – L – L – W – W
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