Maroons hooker Jada Ferguson has acknowledged that the timing of the women’s State of Origin is “challenging,” yet she is uncertain about potential solutions for the series opener in 2026.
The discussion surrounding the format of the women’s Origin series has been extensive, with the initial talks revolving around expanding from a single match to three. In 2023, the series transitioned to two matches before moving to a three-match format set to commence in 2024.
The current topic of conversation is the scheduling, with all three matches slated to occur prior to the start of the NRLW season.
Ferguson expressed concerns regarding the high level of play expected without adequate match fitness among the athletes.
Shenae Ciesiolka and Jayme Fressard collide in the 2025 State of Origin. Getty
“It’s quite tough to know that it’s the first game for Broncos (players) since last year’s grand final,” she remarked during an interview on Wide World of Sports’ QLDER.
“Going straight into that high-level competition after such a long time is quite a challenge.”
“It is tough, but I’m not sure what the ideal solution would be. Personally, I think it could be beneficial to schedule a bye weekend in the NRLW and maybe host the matches then. It’s difficult to say, but I definitely feel it should occur after or during the NRLW season.”
Tune in to watch the 2026 Women’s State of Origin series live and free on Nine and 9Now.
Jada Ferguson. Getty
Adam Jackson from 9news Queensland proposed two alternatives. One suggestion was to initiate the NRLW season earlier with a six-week break before the finals, while the other was to host an end-of-season Origin series.
Ferguson acknowledged the benefits of the end-of-season option.
“It can be disruptive in the season to split it up,” Ferguson noted.
“Injuries could occur, and you might lose key players during the latter part, which would be quite challenging. An end-of-NRLW series could work and lead into the World Cup.”
Women’s State of Origin 2026 Team Lists
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)
When are the Women’s State of Origin Matches?
Game One | Thursday, April 30 at 7:45 PM (AEST), McDonald Jones Stadium
Game Two | Thursday, May 14 at 7:45 PM, Suncorp Stadium
Game Three | Thursday, May 28 at 7:45 PM, CBus Super Stadium
Where can I watch the Women’s State of Origin live?
Channel Nine and 9Now will provide live and free coverage of the Women’s State of Origin series.
Who emerged victorious in the Women’s State of Origin 2025?
The NSW team won the series 2-1.
The Blues triumphed with a score of 32-12 in Game One, followed by a 26-6 victory, while they fell short of a clean sweep as Queensland claimed Game Three 18-14.
Compiled by SportArena.au.
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