Big names return, others missing as teams named for Women's State of Origin series-opener
Updated . First published at
The NRLW's second all-time leading try-scorer looks finally set to make her Women's State of Origin debut.
Dragons fullback Teagan Berry is one of two new faces - the other being Roosters prop Rima Butler - named in John Strange's NSW Blues squad for the series opener against Queensland next Thursday night.
Berry has scored 37 tries from 41 matches for the Dragons. She was leading try-scorer until Tamika Upton's blistering 20-try effort last season moved her nine-clear of Berry.
READ MORE: Crippling extent of Broncos crisis laid bare by busted 13
READ MORE: Kostecki slams 'malicious' Mostert manoeuvre after clash
READ MORE: Rugby Australia pulls off $106 million recovery job
Teagan Berry looks set to finally make her Women's State of Origin debut. Getty
Millie Elliott has also been named to return, just six months after welcoming a baby girl.
The 20-strong squad includes 14 returning stars from last year's victorious campaign.
"I'm really excited about the squad that we've named, it's a very well-balanced team from 1-17," Strange said.
"The six-week training block was very enjoyable and bringing the players and staff together gave them a great opportunity to connect both on and off the field.
"I'm looking forward to camp starting and can't wait to get to work to defend the Shield."
Watch the 2026 Women's State of Origin series live and free on Nine and 9Now.
Millie Elliott has been named to return to the State of Origin scene barely six months after giving birth. Instagram/@millie_boyle
Meanwhile, Maroons coach Nathan Cross was forced to look towards the next generation after an ACL injury to five-eight Tarryn Aiken and the representative retirement of captain and halfback Ali Brigginshaw.
In their place, Cronulla half Chantay Kiria-Ratu is set to make her Origin debut alongside Lauren Brown against the Blues next Thursday night, while Titans rookie Phoenix-Raine Hippi has been named on the wing to replace Jasmine Peters.
Ivana Lolesio, Otesa Pule and Destiny Mino-Sinapati have been named on the bench, in place of Tavarna Papalii, Georgia Hannaway, Sophie Holyman, who all missed out for game one at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Pule's selection comes after the change in Origin eligibility rules announced earlier this year.
Kiwi Fern Otesa Pule will be the first player to make her Origin debut after the eligibility rules were changed. Getty
The opener will be played in Newcastle next Thursday night. Game two is the traditional NRL Magic Round opener at Suncorp Stadium on May 14, before a potential decider on the Gold Coast on May 28.
Women's State of Origin Game I squads
Italics denotes debutants
NSW Blues
1. Abbi Church (Parramatta Eels) 2. Jaime Chapman (Gold Coast Titans) 3. Jess Sergis (Sydney Roosters) 4. Isabelle Kelly (Sydney Roosters) 5. Jayme Fressard (Sydney Roosters) 6. Jocelyn Kelleher (Sydney Roosters) 7. Jesse Southwell (Brisbane Broncos)
8. Millie Elliott (Sydney Roosters) 9. Keeley Nizza (Sydney Roosters) 10. Ellie Johnston (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks) 11. Tiana Penitani Gray (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks) 12. Yasmin Meakes (Newcastle Knights) 13. Olivia Kernick (Sydney Roosters) 14. Olivia Higgins (Newcastle Knights) 15. Kennedy Cherrington (Parramatta Eels) 16. Kezie Apps (Wests Tigers) 17. Teagan Berry (St George Illawarra Dragons) 18. Corban Baxter (Sydney Roosters) 19. Rima Butler (Sydney Roosters) 20. Quincy Dodd (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks).
QLD Maroons
1. Tamika Upton (Brisbane Broncos) 2. Julia Robinson (Brisbane Broncos) 3. Rory Owen (Parramatta Eels) 4. Shenae Ciesiolka (St. George Illawarra Dragons) 5. Phoenix-Raine Hippi (Gold Coast Titans) 6. Chantay Kiria-Ratu (Cronulla Sharks) 7. Lauren Brown (Gold Coast Titans) 8. Makenzie Weale (North Queensland Cowboys) 9. Jada Ferguson (Brisbane Broncos) 10. Jessika Elliston (Gold Coast Titans) 11. Sienna Lofipo (Gold Coast Titans) 12. Romy Teitzel (Brisbane Broncos) 13. Keilee Joseph (Parramatta Eels) 14. Emma Manzelmann (North Queensland Cowboys) 15. Otesa Pule (Sydney Roosters) 16. Chelsea Lenarduzzi (Brisbane Broncos) 17. Brianna Clark (Brisbane Broncos) 18. Ivana Lolesio (Gold Coast Titans) 19. Destiny Brill (Brisbane Broncos) 20. Destiny Mino-Sinapati (Gold Coast Titans)
