<p><meta charset="utf-8"></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">The 2026 edition of the Women’s State of Origin gets underway on Thursday night when current shield-holders New South Wales host arch rivals Queensland.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle serves as the battleground for Game 1. Despite being situated deep in New South Wales rugby league heartland, this venue holds a complex history for the home side.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">The Blues will be desperate to break their Newcastle hoodoo. Queensland has managed to secure victories in both previous Origin clashes played at this stadium.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">In terms of personnel, both squads feature a mix of seasoned veterans and exciting debutants.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">NSW coach John Strange has named a relatively settled lineup for the opening game of the 2026 series. His squad features 14 players from the team that secured last year’s shield.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">The biggest inclusion for the Blues is prop Millie Elliott who hasn’t played footy of any kind for 18 months, due to maternity leave after giving birth to her first child.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Across state lines, things are a lot less settled for the Maroons. Coach Nathan Cross has named five potential debutants in his maiden State of Origin squad. The team must navigate the retirement of Maroons legend Ali Brigginshaw and the absence of star halfback Tarryn Aiken due to an ACL injury.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">To fill this void, Cross has selected a brand-new halves combination. Young gun Chantay Kiria-Ratu will partner with former Titans teammate Lauren Brown.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Can this changing of the guard for Queensland lead to a Game 1 upset? Or will the favourites New South Wales take the first step towards retaining the shield?</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">For all the latest team news, analysis and betting tips, check out our Women’s State of Origin 2026 Game 1 predictions below.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></span></p><h2 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:18pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Women’s State of Origin Game 1 Team Lists</span></h2><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:13.999999999999998pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Queensland Women</span></h3><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">1. Tamika Upton (Brisbane Broncos)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">2. Julia Robinson (Brisbane Broncos)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">3. Rory Owen (Parramatta Eels)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">4. Shenae Ciesiolka (St. George Illawarra Dragons)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">5. Phoenix-Raine Hippi (Gold Coast Titans)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">6. Chantay Kiria-Ratu (Cronulla Sharks)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">7. Lauren Brown (Gold Coast Titans)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">8. Makenzie Weale (North Queensland Cowboys)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">9. Jada Ferguson (Brisbane Broncos)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">10. Jessika Elliston (Gold Coast Titans)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">11. Sienna Lofipo (Gold Coast Titans)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">12. Romy Teitzel (Brisbane Broncos)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">13. Keilee Joseph (Parramatta Eels)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">14. Emma Manzelmann (North Queensland Cowboys)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">15. Otesa Pule (Sydney Roosters)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">16. Chelsea Lenarduzzi (Brisbane Broncos)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">17. Brianna Clark (Brisbane Broncos)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">18. Ivana Lolesio (Gold Coast Titans)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">19. Destiny Brill (Brisbane Broncos)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">20. Destiny Mino-Sinapati (Gold Coast Titans)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:13.999999999999998pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">New South Wales Women</span></h3><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">1. Abbi Church (Parramatta Eels)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">2. Jaime Chapman (Gold Coast Titans)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">3. Jess Sergis (Sydney Roosters)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">4. Isabelle Kelly (Sydney Roosters)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">5. Jayme Fressard (Sydney Roosters)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">6. Jocelyn Kelleher (Sydney Roosters)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">7. Jesse Southwell (Brisbane Broncos)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">8. Millie Elliott (Sydney Roosters)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">9. Keeley Nizza (Sydney Roosters)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">10. Ellie Johnston (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">11. Tiana Penitani Gray (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">12. Yasmin Meakes (Newcastle Knights)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">13. Olivia Kernick (Sydney Roosters)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">14. Olivia Higgins (Newcastle Knights)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">15. Kennedy Cherrington (Parramatta Eels)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">16. Kezie Apps (Wests Tigers)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">17. Teagan Berry (St George Illawarra Dragons)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">18. Corban Baxter (Sydney Roosters)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">19. Rima Butler (Sydney Roosters)</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">20. Quincy Dodd (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks).</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><h2 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:18pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Women’s State of Origin Game 1 Predictions and Betting Tips 2026</span></h2><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:13.999999999999998pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Head-to-Head Prediction</span></h3><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Naturally the H2H odds have defending champs NSW installed as comfortable favourites for Game 1.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">The Blues are carrying the confidence of their dominant 2025 series win while also boasting a highly cohesive core group of players and home ground advantage.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Conversely, Queensland faces a transition period with their new-look spine. While Kiria-Ratu and Brown are immensely talented, orchestrating an Origin victory on debut as a halves pairing is a monumental task.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">The Maroons do hold a psychological edge in Newcastle, having won both previous encounters at McDonald Jones Stadium.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">However, the continuity and established combinations of the NSW Blues give them a distinct advantage.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Expect a fiercely contested first half as Queensland's new spine finds its footing. Ultimately, the Blues' experience and attacking firepower should overwhelm the new-look Maroons.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>Betting tip:</strong></span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"> </span><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/womens-state-of-origin/new-south-wales-women-v-queensland-women-10376587"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">New South Wales Women.</span></a></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:13.999999999999998pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">First Try Scorer Prediction</span></h3><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">There are a number of candidates for this market across both sides. For New South Wales, fullback Abbi Church and winger Jaime Chapman offer lethal finishing abilities on the edges.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Chapman, in particular, has a knack for finding the try line in high-pressure situations.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">For Queensland, Tamika Upton remains one of the most dangerous attacking weapons in the game.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">If the Maroons secure early field position, Upton’s speed and support play make her a prime candidate to cross the stripe first.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">However, given the Blues' attacking dominance last series and their tendency to strike early at home, backing a New South Wales outside back offers great value.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Jaime Chapman’s combination of speed, strength, and finishing awareness makes her our top pick to open the scoring.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>Betting tip:</strong></span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"> </span><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/womens-state-of-origin/new-south-wales-women-v-queensland-women-10376587"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Jamie Chapman.</span></a></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:13.999999999999998pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Player of the Match Prediction</span></h3><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">The Player of the Match honours in State of Origin usually goes to a player from the winning side.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Yes, Queensland fullback Tamika Upton seemingly owns this arena, but with the halves matchups being a major talking point, attention naturally turns to the number seven and six jerseys.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">If New South Wales are to win as predicted, their halfback Jesse Southwell fingerprints will undoubtedly be all over the result.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">As the primary playmaker for the Blues, her kicking game and decision-making will dictate the flow of the match and her ability to organize the attack and force repeat sets has her in good stead to be the standout performer on the field come Thursday night.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>Betting tip:&nbsp;</strong></span><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/womens-state-of-origin/new-south-wales-women-v-queensland-women-10376587"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Jesse Southwell.</span></a></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><h2 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:18pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Women’s State of Origin Game 1 Match Details 2026</span></h2><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>Date:</strong></span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"> Thursday, April 30, 2026.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>Kick-off:</strong></span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"> 7:45pm AEST.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>Location:&nbsp;</strong></span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, New South Wales.</span></p>