Queensland halfback Lauren Brown is not worried that the Maroons are underdogs in the 2026 women's State of Origin, which begins in Newcastle on Thursday night. The Maroons have undergone a radical reset, featuring a new coach, a new-look halves pairing, and as many as five debutants eager to challenge New South Wales' dominance in women's rugby league.
New South Wales holds the Women's Origin shield after a comprehensive victory in 2025, but Queensland is determined to reclaim it. New coach Nathan Cross, who previously served as a Maroons assistant and coaches the Dragons in the NRLW, has replaced Tahnee Norris. The team has also seen the retirement of legendary playmaker Ali Brigginshaw, who was benched in last year's dead rubber and has since stepped away from Origin, though she remains in contact with the squad.
New Faces and Fresh Combinations
The Maroons will feature a new halves pairing, with Brown at halfback and debutant Chantay Kiria-Ratu stepping in for the injured Tarryn Aiken, who is sidelined with a serious knee injury. Brown praised Kiria-Ratu's composure and kicking game, noting their previous connection at the Titans in 2023. Additionally, eligibility changes have allowed New Zealand forwards Brianna Clark and Otesa Pule to join the squad. Pule is in line for a debut alongside winger Phoenix-Raine Hippi, while Ivana Lolesio and Destiny Mino-Sinapati are also yet to play Origin but have been named outside the top 17.
Brown highlighted the impact of the debutants, stating that they set a high bar in training and continue to raise it. The Maroons have been preparing through weekend mini-camps under Cross, while NSW coach John Strange has had the advantage of six-week training blocks with his Sydney-based players.
Blues Also See Changes
The Blues, led by captain Isabelle Kelly, are more settled but not without adjustments. Tiana Penitani Gray, who excelled as a five-eighth last year, has been shifted to the second row. Kelly praised Gray's adaptability, saying she has dominated training in her new position. Jocelyn Kelleher will wear the No. 11 jersey but will perform a similar role to last year, according to Strange, who emphasized that numbers do not define a player's role.
Both Kelly and Strange highlighted the potential of Teagen Berry, a Dragons fullback set to debut off the bench. Kelly expressed excitement for Berry's debut, calling her 'Flash'.
Origin's Unique Place in the Calendar
With the NRLW season still more than two months away, the Women's Origin series occupies an unusual spot in the rugby league calendar. Players must rely on training to reach the high standards demanded by a growing audience for women's rugby league. Kelly, a decade-long Blues veteran, acknowledged the enduring nerves and adrenaline of Origin, saying it never changes.
The Maroons are focused on their own preparation, blocking out external noise and concentrating on their 'Maroon bubble'. Brown summed up the team's mindset: 'We're just really focusing on what we do and making sure what we do is right, cancelling out all the outside noise.'
