Queensland Maroons head coach Nathan Cross and CEO Ben Ikin have led the tributes to Ali Brigginshaw after she announced her retirement from State of Origin on Friday. Brigginshaw has been Maroons captain in women’s State of Origin since 2019, and is set to play her final season in the NRLW in 2026.
The 36-year-old has decided to put all her focus into club footy with the Brisbane Broncos for her final year, withdrawing from contention for Origin. “After many restless nights over the off-season, I have decided to end my time in the Origin arena and focus all my energy on the Broncos for the upcoming season, which will be my last in rugby league,” she announced on Friday.
“I can’t put into words what playing for Queensland meant to me. Pulling on the Maroon jersey made me feel bulletproof. Historic moments, amazing teams and great mates. Thank you Maroons family for all of it.”
Maroons captain Ali Brigginshaw (centre at back) has ended her State of Origin career with Queensland. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
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Brigginshaw has played 55 career games in the NRLW for Brisbane, as well as 13 Origin games for Queensland. She played a further seven games for the Maroons when it was called the interstate series (pre-2018), and has represented Australia in 29 Test matches.
The 36-year-old captained Queensland in 12 of the 13 Origin games she played, leading the Maroons to series victories in 2020, 2021, 2023 and 2024. She’s the second-most capped Jillaroos player in history behind Tahnee Norris (33 games).
Ali Brigginshaw (L) with Queensland teammates during women’s State of Origin in 2025. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
(Getty Images)NRL world pays tribute to Ali Brigginshaw after Origin call
Maroons coach Cross said on Friday: “We respect and understand Ali’s decision to focus on the Broncos in her final year of rugby league. I’ve marvelled at Ali’s performances at club and representative level for a long time now. Ali was made for Origin … the arena ignited a spark inside her, and her toughness, skill and passion lifted her team and those around her.”
Queensland Rugby League chief executive Ben Ikin said: “It’s been a privilege to watch Ali brilliantly ply her trade over the past 15 years, what a player. She is an icon in women’s rugby league and there are now thousands of young girls across Queensland who dream of wearing the Maroon jersey because of what Ali achieved.”
A four-time NRLW champion, Briggingshaw joined Keeley Davis and Isabelle Kelly last season as the only players to play 50 games in the competition. Tamika Upton, Chelsea Lenarduzzi, Jessika Elliston and Lauren Brown will be the top contenders to take over as Queensland captain in 2026.
On social media, Lenarduzzi, Emma Verran, Makenzie Weale, Monique Conti and Matilda Scholz were among the many to pay tribute and send congratulations.