![\"Ali](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4ccdfe517c529ac15e0375342cd3bbb8.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nQueensland captain Ali Brigginshaw has announced her immediate retirement from State of Origin football.<\/p>\n
The Maroons’ most-capped player of the NRLW era said on Friday she made the decision to focus on her final season with Brisbane.<\/p>\n
Brigginshaw endured a disappointing 2025 Origin campaign, by her lofty standards, and was benched for the third game of the series.<\/p>\n
The 36-year-old utility said immediately after the Maroons’ 2-1 series loss she was open to playing on but has since reconsidered her future.<\/p>\n
“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,” Brigginshaw said.<\/p>\n
“I can’t put into words what playing for Queensland meant to me. Pulling on the Maroon jersey made me feel bulletproof.<\/p>\n
“Historic moments, amazing teams and great mates.”<\/p>\n
Brigginshaw has not missed a game for the Maroons since the NRLW era began in 2018, captaining the side in 12 of those 13 matches.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ali Brigginshaw is focussing on helping Brisbane go back to back in the NRLW. (AAP: Dan Himbrechts)<\/p>\n
Prior to that she played seven interstate games for Queensland, the first in 2009 as a 19-year-old.<\/p>\n
Brigginshaw started at halfback, lock and five-eighth for the Maroons in the Origin era and led the side to victory in the historical inaugural three-match series in 2024.<\/p>\n
Lauren Brown started at halfback in Brigginshaw’s place for Origin III last year and looms as an option to partner Tarryn Aiken in the halves for 2026.<\/p>\n
The women’s State of Origin series begins in Newcastle on April 30, with the NRLW season kicking off in July.<\/p>\n
Broncos veteran Brigginshaw announced last year she would retire after the reigning premiers’ 2026 campaign.<\/p>\n
At the time she pointed to constant speculation about her playing future as weighing into her decision to retire.<\/p>\n
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