Queensland have announced their squad for the first game of the 2026 Women’s State of Origin series, with a trio of debutants unveiled.
Phoenix-Raine Hippi, Chantay Kiria-Ratu, and Otesa Pule will play their first games for the Maroons, impressing during their pre-season Origin campaign.
Meanwhile, an experienced core remains including the likes of Tamika Upton, Lauren Brown, Julia Robinson and Romy Teitzel.
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Tarryn Aiken remains sidelined due to an ACL injury while captain and halfback Ali Brigginshaw has retired from the Origin arena.
Elsewhere, Shannon Mato is also unavailable due to a hamstring injury, while Tavarna Papalii, Georgia Hannaway, Sophie Holyman and Jasmine Peters all drop out of the squad.
The Maroons kick off their Origin campaign on April 30, with the first game of the series being played at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.
“This group has earned their opportunity,” head coach Nathan Cross said.
“We’ve picked players who have been consistent, who compete hard and who put the team first.
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“There’s a strong mix of experience and new energy in this squad, which is exactly what you need at Origin level.
“The debutants have forced their way in through their performances. They’ve been impressive and they deserve this chance.
“We’ve been really deliberate with this selection. Every player brings something different, but they all understand what’s required in this environment.”
QUEENSLAND MAROONS WOMEN’S SQUAD
1. Tamika Upton
2. Julia Robinson
3. Rory Owen
4. Shenae Ciesiolka
5. Phoenix-Raine Hippi *
6. Chantay Kiria-Ratu *
7. Lauren Brown
8. Makenzie Weale
9. Jada Ferguson
10. Jess Elliston
11. Sienna Lofipo
12. Romy Teitzel
13. Keilee Joseph
14. Emma Manzelmann
15. Otesa Pule *
16. Chelsea Lenarduzzi
17. Brianna Clark
18. Ivana Lolesio *
19. Destiny Brill
20. Destiny Mino-Sinapati *
* denotes players on debut
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