Star Players Return While Others Are Absent as Teams Announced for Women’s State of Origin Series Opener

The NRLW’s second-highest try-scorer is poised to make her Women’s State of Origin debut at last.

Teagan Berry, the Dragons fullback, is one of two fresh additions to the NSW Blues squad, alongside Roosters prop Rima Butler, as announced by coach John Strange for the opener against Queensland next Thursday night.

Berry has an impressive record of 37 tries in 41 appearances for the Dragons and was the leading try-scorer until Tamika Upton’s sensational 20-try season last year propelled her ahead by nine tries.

Millie Elliott is also making a comeback, just six months after the birth of her daughter.

The squad of 20 features 14 players returning from last year’s successful campaign.

“I’m thrilled with the squad we’ve assembled; it’s a well-rounded team from 1 to 17,” Strange expressed.

“The six-week training block has been very enjoyable, allowing players and staff to bond both on and off the field.”

“I’m eager for the camp to commence and can’t wait to begin the work needed to defend the Shield.”

Catch the 2026 Women’s State of Origin live and free on Nine and 9Now.

On the flip side, Maroons coach Nathan Cross had to turn to new talent, following an ACL injury incurred by five-eighth Tarryn Aiken and the retirement of captain and halfback Ali Brigginshaw from representative football.

Cronulla halfback Chantay Kiria-Ratu is in line to make her Origin debut alongside Lauren Brown against the Blues next Thursday night, while rookie Phoenix-Raine Hippi from the Titans will fill the wing position previously held by Jasmine Peters.

Ivana Lolesio, Otesa Pule, and Destiny Mino-Sinapati have been named on the bench, stepping in for Tavarna Papalii, Georgia Hannaway, and Sophie Holyman, who are not part of the game one squad at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Pule’s inclusion follows the adjustments in Origin eligibility rules announced earlier this year.

The series opener is scheduled for Newcastle next Thursday night. Game two will feature during the traditional NRL Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium on May 14, with a potential decider taking place on the Gold Coast on May 28.

Women’s State of Origin Game I Squads

Italics denote 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)