Key events
If you’d like to take a deeper dive into Queensland’s revamped team, Jack Snape has got you covered. You’ve got time before kick off to read this interesting piece.
The Blues don’t have many surprises, lining up as named 1-17. They have 14 players from last year’s series win returning, and also feature Teagan ‘Flash’ Berry on debut coming off the bench, as well as Millie Elliott making her much-anticipated return after having a baby last year. They will be hoping for a strong performance with an experienced team on the park.
Queensland have a few more changes, due to the injuries and retirements we spoke about earlier. They have also brought Ivana Lolesio into the starting side from the interchange bench. Most interesting is their selection of Otesa Pule, the New Zealand international, after Origin eligibility rules changed and allowed her to participate. Although some may argue that Origin eligibility rules have always been murky at best…
Team list: Queensland
1. Tamika Upton
2. Julia Robinson
3. Rory Owen
18. Ivana Lolesio
5. Phoenix-Raine Hippi
6. Chantay Kiria-Ratu
7. Lauren Brown
8. Makenzie Weale
9. Jada Ferguson
10. Jessika Elliston
11. Sienna Lofipo
12. Romy Teitzel
13. Keilee Joseph
Interchange
4. Shenae Ciesiolka
14. Emma Manzelmann
15. Otesa Pule
16. Chelsea Lenarduzzi
Team list: NSW
1. Abbi Church
2. Jaime Chapman
3. Jessica Sergis
4. Isabelle Kelly (c)
5. Jayme Fressard
6. Jocelyn Kelleher
7. Jesse Southwell
8. Millie Elliott
9. Keeley Nizza
10. Ellie Johnston
11. Tiana Penitani Gray
12. Yasmin Meakes
13. Olivia Kernick
Interchange
14. Olivia Higgins
15. Kennedy Cherrington
16. Kezie Apps
17. Teagan Berry
Preamble
Megan Maurice
Hello and welcome to the very first State of Origin game for 2026! And it’s a massive one to kick us off, in the spiritual home of rugby league – Newcastle. And no, I will not be entering into debate on that.
Unfortunately for the Blues, despite usually having a loud home crowd behind them, it has not been a happy hunting ground, but they will be aiming to reverse that trend tonight. After securing the shield in a 2-1 series win in 2025, the Blues will be desperate to hold on to it and a strong win in the Hunter will put them on track.
They certainly look the stronger of the two teams on paper, with the Maroons losing key players from last year’s series – including Ali Brigginshaw (retired) and Tarryn Aiken (ACL). However, as we all know, you never, ever write off a Queensland team in Origin, even if they have only been able to assemble the South Logan Magpies under-10s, they will find a way to win.
Kick off will be at 7.45pm AEST and there’s plenty to discuss before then, so let’s get into it!
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