Maroons captain Tamika Upton will need to be at her best to keep the women’s State of Origin series alive on Thursday night – but NSW won’t be putting a target on her back.
A victory in Newcastle has placed the Blues in the ideal position heading to Suncorp Stadium for game two, where Queensland will be desperate to force a decider.
Queensland have undergone a number of changes since last year, including a new coach and captain – but according to Blues coach John Strange, it’s no time to be complacent.
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John Strange. Getty
“I thought it was a great game up in Newcastle by all the girls. The standard will keep going, which is a bit scary,” he told reporters on Wednesday.
“Getting the result was really important, but the character and grit the girls showed wasn’t a surprise. We need to carry that into this game because it will be tougher.
“There is going to be some desperation from the Queensland girls, which we know.
“I wouldn’t say we have any magic tricks … but we want to get the job done.”
Watch the 2026 Women’s State of Origin series live and free on Nine and 9Now.
There is no hiding that Queensland will look to their new skipper in Upton for inspiration to turn things back in favour on home turf.
As one of the NRLW’s best players, Upton undoubtedly holds the key for the Maroons – something that Strange and his players will be well aware of.
“I wouldn’t say we are targeting her, but she is definitely a player that can pop up all over the field so you have to be mindful of her,” the NSW boss said.
Tamika Upton celebrates with teammates after a Maroons try. NRL Imagery
“We aren’t necessarily focusing on her because if you do that, you take your focus away from some of the other players – and they have an outstanding team.
“As long as our defensive systems are in place, hopefully we can limit the impact she has on the game.”
Upton is not the only key figure that the Blues will be keeping an eye on on Thursday, Chantay Kiria-Ratu’s kicking game in the series opener will now be monitored.
Kiria-Ratu’s powerful boot was not a major surprise for coach Strange as he has watched her cause havoc with that skill countless times in the NRLW.
However, NSW also have a powerful kicker on hand that can be unlocked further.
“She has a great kicking game … she was good in game one, but we are happy with who we have kicking the ball back,” Strange said, hinting at Jesse Southwell’s power.
It will be a do or die battle for the Maroons in game two, with the women’s State of Origin clash marking the beginning of the NRL Magic Round weekend.
What time is women’s State of Origin game two?
Game two will kick off at 7.45pm AEST on Thursday night.
How to watch women’s State of Origin
The women’s State of Origin series will be broadcast live and free on Nine and 9Now.
Women’s State of Origin 2026 team lists
John Strange and Nathan Cross have both been forced to make slight changes to their line-ups that they fielded in game one.
Tiana Penitani Gray has been ruled out for the Blues with a knee injury, while Phoenix-Raine Hippi is out for the Maroons with a hamstring injury.
Here is how the two teams will line-up on Thursday.
Queensland players during game one. Getty
NSW Blues
1. Abbi Church 2. Jaime Chapman 3. Jess Sergis 4. Isabelle Kelly 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 18. Corban Baxter 19. Quincy Dodd 20. Hannah Southwell
QLD Maroons
1. Tamika Upton 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. Mackenzie Weale 16. Brianna Clark 17. Shenae Ciesiolka 18. Chelsea Lenarduzzi 19. Emma Manzelmann 20. Destiny Mino-Sinapati
Who won the 2025 women’s State of Origin series?
NSW claimed victory 2-1 in last season’s State of Origin series.
As it stands, both Queensland and NSW have won the series four times each.