The much-anticipated Women’s State of Origin 2026 Game 1 kicks off the thrilling three-match series between the New South Wales Blues Women and the Queensland Maroons Women. This opening clash promises high-intensity rugby league action as two powerhouse teams battle for early dominance in the series.
📅 Match Details: Date, Time & Venue
Game 1 is scheduled to take place on Thursday, April 30, 2026, with kickoff set for 3:15 PM (local time). The Blues Women will enter the contest as the home team, giving them a slight edge with crowd support, while the Maroons Women will be determined to spoil the party with a strong away performance.
| Match | Teams | Date | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | Blues Women vs Maroons Women | April 30, 2026 | 3:15 PM | Official venue TBA |
🔵 Blues Women Team Squad (NSW)
Backs
- 1. Abbi Church (Fullback)
- 2. Jaime Chapman (Winger)
- 3. Jessica Sergis (Centre)
- 4. Isabelle Kelly (Centre)
- 5. Jayme Fressard (Winger)
- 6. Jocelyn Kelleher (Five-Eighth)
- 7. Jesse Southwell (Halfback)
Forwards
- 8. Millie Elliott (Prop)
- 9. Keeley Nizza (Hooker)
- 10. Ellie Johnston (Prop)
- 11. Tiana Penitani Gray (Second Row)
- 12. Yasmin Meakes (Second Row)
- 13. Olivia Kernick (Lock)
Interchange
- 14. Olivia Higgins
- 15. Kennedy Cherrington
- 16. Kezie Apps
- 17. Teagan Berry
Reserves
- 18. Corban Baxter
- 19. Rima Butler
🔴 Maroons Women Team Squad (QLD)
Backs
- 1. Tamika Upton (Fullback)
- 2. Julia Robinson (Winger)
- 3. Rory Owen (Centre)
- 18. Ivana Lolesio (Centre)
- 5. Phoenix-Raine Hippi (Winger)
- 6. Chantay Kiria-Ratu (Five-Eighth)
- 7. Lauren Brown (Halfback)
Forwards
- 8. Makenzie Weale (Prop)
- 9. Jada Ferguson (Hooker)
- 10. Jessika Elliston (Prop)
- 11. Sienna Lofipo (Second Row)
- 12. Romy Teitzel (Second Row)
- 13. Keilee Joseph (Lock)
Interchange
- 4. Shenae Ciesiolka
- 14. Emma Manzelmann
- 15. Otesa Pule
- 16. Chelsea Lenarduzzi
Reserves
- 19. Destiny Brill
- 17. Brianna Clark
🏉 Match Officials
- Referee: Belinda Sharpe
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
🔥 What to Expect in Game 1
Game 1 is always crucial in a three-match Origin series, and 2026 will be no different. The Blues Women boast a strong spine with Jesse Southwell and Jocelyn Kelleher, while the Maroons will rely heavily on the experience and attacking brilliance of Tamika Upton and Lauren Brown.
Both teams feature a balanced mix of youth and experience, ensuring a fast-paced, physical contest. The battle in the forward pack, especially around the middle, could ultimately decide the outcome.
📊 Final Thoughts
The Women’s State of Origin 2026 Game 1 is set to deliver an exciting start to the series. With elite talent on both sides and pride on the line, fans can expect a fiercely competitive showdown. Whether you’re backing the Blues or the Maroons, this match is a must-watch event in the rugby league calendar.