The Queensland Maroons host the NSW Sky Blues in game one of the 2025 Women’s State of Origin series at Suncorp Stadium.
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MATCH CENTRE: Maroons vs Sky Blues teams, scores, videos, updates
The Maroons will defend the Shield after coming back from 1-0 down do win last year’s series 2-1 in the inaauguaral three match series.
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It is a unique build-up with some players coming into the Origin opener with no footy under their belt since last year’s NRLW season, unless they played for the Jillaroos in Las Vegas.
The experienced pairing of Ali Brigginshaw and Tarryn Aiken in the halves is set to be a huge boost for the reigning champions.
With reigning Nellie Doherty Medal winner Shannon Mato out of the series due to pregnancy, Keilee Joseph steps up to partner Jessika Elliston in the front row.
The other major changes for the Maroons come in the backs, with centre Rory Owen and winger Jasmine Peters named to make their debuts, with Evania Pelite also out of the side amid her growing family.
Versatile rookies Jada Ferguson and Tavarna Papalii who can both fill in as forwards and in the halves have also been named to debut from the bench.
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The Blues will unleash a new look front row with both of last year’s starting props Millie Elliott and Caitlan Johnston-Green expecting babies.
New coach John Strange has handed prop Ellie Johnston a debut, with the experienced Simaima Taufa moving in up front.
Talented Eels fullback Abbi Church has been named in the No.1 jersey for her debut, while the other new faces are Roosters Jayme Fressard on the wing and Jocelyn Kelleher who comes from the bench.
After claiming Dally M Centre of the Year honours in 2024, Tiana Penitani Gray will start at five-eighth alongside the recalled Jesse Southwell in the halves.
It sets the scene for an intriguing State of Origin opener in front of a big crowd at the home of Origin.
TEAMS
Queensland Maroons: 1. Tamika Upton 2. Julia Robinson 3. Shenae Ciesiolka 4. Rory Owen 5. Jasmine Peters 6. Tarryn Aiken 7. Ali Brigginshaw 8. Keilee Joseph 9. Lauren Brown 10. Jessika Elliston 11. Sienna Lofipo 12. Romy Teitzel 13. Destiny Brill 14. Jada Ferguson 15. Sophie Holyman 16. Makenzie Weale 17. Tavarna Papalii 18. Georgia Hannaway 19. Chelsea Lenarduzzi 20. Hayley Maddick
NSW Sky Blues: 1. Abbi Church 2. Jaime Chapman 3. Jessica Sergis 4. Isabelle Kelly 5. Jayme Fressard 6. Tiana Penitani 7. Jesse Southwell 8. Simaima Taufa 9. Keeley Davis 10. Ellie Johnston 11. Kezie Apps 12. Yasmin Clydsdale 13. Olivia Kernick 14. Jocelyn Kelleher 15. Kennedy Cherrington 16. Sarah Togatuki 17. Emma Tonegato 18. Shaylee Bent 19. Kirra Dibb 20. Olivia Higgins
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