'Making me really upset': Pregnant NSW star's bittersweet Origin reveal as gun teammate returns months after birth
As NSW star Emma Verran watches the Women's State of Origin series kick off on Thursday night, she will join a growing list of Australian rugby league stars navigating the transition between elite sport and motherhood.
With teammate Millie Elliott returning to the field just eight months after the birth of her daughter Gigi, Verran admits the 27-year-old is blazing a path for the rest of the league.
"I'm pregnant this season which means I won't be playing," Verran told Nine's Today.
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"So far - not so good seeing all the girls...all their content is making me really upset, but it's such an exciting time of the year.
"Origin is the best going at it, and there's only one game in New South Wales, so I know the girls are going to be up for the game tomorrow in Newcastle."
Elliott's comeback has served as a masterclass in resilience, highlighting the NRLW's evolving pregnancy policies designed to support players juggling family and professional sport.
Millie Elliott returns to the field in an Origin blockbuster set in Newcastle. NSW Blues
"Millie really is (an inspiration), especially for girls like me who are going through it at the moment," said Verran.
"But it's really exciting to see her back. To come and step on the big stage straight away is incredible, and it just shows that you know we have a pregnancy policy for a reason, and the game (is) in good hands.
"Hopefully inspires a lot of other girls, and you know proves that we can do that, we can be mums and elite athletes as well."
Watch the 2026 Women's State of Origin series live and free on Nine and 9Now.
Emma Verran on Today. Nine's Today
For Elliott, the journey back to the Sky Blues jersey was about more than just physical fitness. Speaking candidly about her return, she described the immense effort required following her pregnancy in September.
"I knew that I had my work cut out for me," Elliott said.
"Definitely no easy task, that's for sure.
Millie Elliott will be back in action. Quinn Rooney via Getty Images
"There's a lot of prehab and exercises and rehab and physios that you have to see, and I'm lucky enough that I've had that support and I've been able to get back to here and I'm feeling really fit and confident."
She also highlighted the unique pressure placed on NRLW players, who often balance sport with external careers.
"As a part-time athlete for us as rugby league players and as women, you've got to juggle a lot of things on the side anyway," she said.
"You have to be quite selfish to be an athlete and you have to spend a lot of time away from your family, whether that's training, late nights, physios, rehab.
"There's so much that goes into that."
Millie Elliott had her child in late 2025. Instagram/@millie_boyle
But when Elliott takes to the field in Newcastle on Thursday night in game one of NSW's Origin defence following a thrilling 2-1 series victory in 2025, she'll have a extra special fan looking on from the crowd.
"[The Blues] haven't won in Newcastle yet and I've got my little Gigi girl in the stands watching," she said.
Verran also tipped Sydney Roosters star Teagan Berry to be an X-factor player in the squad when asked on Nine's Today.
The 24-year-old, who previously considered walking away from the sport, is now primed for her Origin debut.
"Teagan brings that spark, and you know she'll be nervous for sure, it's such a big stage," said Verran.
"She's got the best the best in camp with her and they'll be looking after her and making sure that she feels comfortable and ready to perform. I'm sure we'll see some spark when she comes on the field."
Teagan Berry is a new face to the NSW Blues squad. Sydney Morning Herald
While the Blues look to defend their 2025 crown, coach John Strange admitted to media that he has set his sights on a historic milestone: a series clean sweep.
"I mean obviously that's everyone's goal - that's every Queenslander player's as well," said Strange.
"You gotta focus on everything in front of you. Focusing on every session and everything that we do - trying to get everything right.
"Everyone obviously wants that (the clean sweep)."
But standing in their way is a stacked Queensland Maroons side led by a new solo captain.
NSW will be aiming to defend their 2025 shield. Getty
"There's definitely some girls we have to look out for (on the Maroons side), you know Tamika Upton, she's just been announced their captain, she's incredible," said Verran.
"They've got talent all over the park. They're always a good side and when Origin comes, anything can happen on the field.
"But I'm confident the Blues' girls can lock away the win."
The State of Origin opener will be played in Newcastle on Thursday night. Tune into live and free coverage on Nine and 9Now from 7.30pm (AEST).
