After a hard-fought battle in Newcastle, the NSW Women head north with a 1-0 series lead. Now, the Queensland Women must defend their home turf to keep their series hopes alive.

After the Blues prevailed 11-6 in Game I, attention now shifts to Brisbane. Acting as the curtain raiser for the NRL’s Magic Round, Suncorp Stadium will provide the Game II.

 Known affectionately as "The Cauldron," this venue tests the mettle of every player who steps onto its turf. However, the history of Women's State of Origin at this ground tells a fascinating story.

Despite being the spiritual home of Queensland rugby league, the Maroons have yet to win a match here under the official State of Origin banner. 

The Blues currently hold a perfect 2-0 record at Suncorp, securing victories in 2024 and 2025. Queensland will be desperate to break this hoodoo and force a decider.

In terms of team news, both sides bring relatively settled lineups into Game 2, but injuries have forced some adjustments across both squads.

Maroons mentor Nathan Cross has recalled versatile North Queensland and Indigenous All Stars back Jasmine Peters to replace injured star rookie Phoenix-Raine Hippi on the wing.

For the Blues, John Strange has lost second-rower Tiana Penitani Gray to a knee injury. This reshuffles the forward pack, with veteran Kezie Apps moving from the interchange bench into the starting lineup.

The injury also opens the door for a massive debut. Sydney Roosters prop and Māori All Stars representative Rima Butler joins the bench for her first State of Origin appearance. 

For the full team lists for both states, as well as expert analysis and betting tips, check out our Women’s State of Origin 2026 Game 2 predictions below.

Women’s State of Origin Game 2 Team Lists 

Queensland Women 

1. Tamika Upton (c)

2. Julia Robinson

3. Rory Owen

4. Ivana Lolesio

5. Jasmine Peters

6. Chantay Kiria-Ratu

7. Lauren Brown

8. Otesa Pule

9. Jada Ferguson

10. Jessika Elliston

11. Sienna Lofipo

12. Romy Teitzel

13. Keilee Joseph

14. Destiny Brill

15. Makenzie Weale

16. Brianna Clark

17. Shenae Ciesiolka

New South Wales Women 

1. Abbi Church

2. Jaime Chapman

3. Jessica Sergis

4. Isabelle Kelly (c)

5. Jayme Fressard

6. Jocelyn Kelleher

7. Jesse Southwell

8. Millie Elliott

9. Keeley Nizza

10. Ellie Johnston

11. Kezie Apps

12. Yasmin Meakes

13. Olivia Kernick

14. Olivia Higgins

15. Kennedy Cherrington

16. Rima Butler

17. Teagan Berry

Women’s State of Origin Game 2 Predictions and Betting Tips 2026 

Head-to-Head Prediction

The Blues enter this match as clear favourites, aiming to secure a dominant 2-0 series victory. 

Historical trends heavily favour New South Wales. They have won three of the last four contests against Queensland and boast a superior 10-6 overall head-to-head record.

The biggest factor in this matchup is the contrast between the two attacks. Over the last four Origin matches, Queensland has struggled to find creative ways through the Blues' defensive line, averaging just 10.5 points per game. New South Wales has held the Maroons to 14 points or fewer in four of their last five meetings.

We expect a tight, defensive struggle early in the match. The Maroons should put up a gallant effort fuelled by home support. 

However, the New South Wales forward pack outran Queensland by 368 meters in Game 1. 

If they can repeat that physical dominance, they will eventually wear down the Maroons. Allowing fatigue to set in and their spine to take control. 

Betting tip: New South Wales Women. 

First Try Scorer Prediction

Looking at recent scoring trends and attacking focal points you’ll see that the Maroons' last four tries in State of Origin have all been scored by forwards, highlighting a reliance on power close to the line.

However, the Blues possess an incredibly potent backline, capable of striking from anywhere on the park. 

Jessica Sergis is the headline name of their back five and continually proves she is the premier centre in women's rugby league. 

She runs brilliant lines and demands defensive attention every time she touches the ball. 

Given the playmaking ability of her halfback Jesse Southwell and the platform laid by the Blues' forwards, Sergis should get early opportunities to attack the line and open the scoring. 

Betting tip: Jessica Sergis.

Player of the Match Prediction

Playmakers who control the tempo usually earn top honours in tightly contested Origin matches. 

While forwards like Olivia Kernick and Keilee Joseph will do the heavy lifting in the middle, the spine players should the outcome.

NSW No.7 Jesse Southwell showed incredible maturity in Game 1. She absorbed Queensland's early pressure, managed the clock perfectly, and executed clutch plays when it mattered most. 

With a few more weeks in camp to refine their attacking structures, the Blues' spine should be even sharper at Suncorp Stadium. 

If the Blues are to win as predicted, expect Southwell to direct traffic brilliantly, force repeat sets with her short kicking game, and set up crucial tries on the edges.

Betting tip: Jesse Southwell. 

Women’s State of Origin Game 2 Match Details 2026

Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026. 

Kick-off: 7:45pm AEST. 

Location: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.