The Westpac NSW Blues have their eyes set on creating history against Queensland, aiming to secure a maiden series whitewash.
After missing out on their opportunity to claim the spoils last year where the Maroons gutsed out an 18-14 win in Newcastle without their skipper Tamika Upton, John Strange and his charges are determined not to miss the mark again.
In Game Three on the Gold Coast, the home side will again be missing captain Upton, who was ruled out with injury alongside strike back Julia Robinson and forward Makenzie Weale.
Gold Coast local Destiny Mino-Sinapati has been named to make her debut in the fullback role, with forward Lillian Yarrow also called in on the bench for her first State of Origin appearance.
The Maroons will have their backs against the wall against a settled Blues side and will be playing for pride to once again deny their opponents a series sweep.
This season, the Women’s State of Origin will be played under virtually unchanged rules from 2025, with four players on the bench and no set re-starts.
Late Mail
Maroons: No changes to the 1-17 in the 24-hour update. Georgia Ravics drops out to the extended reserves with Chelsea Lenarduzzi and Sophie Holyman remaining. In earlier team news, after being named in the extended squad for the opening two matches, Destiny Mino-Sinapati will get her opportunity to debut, named to start at fullback for the injured Tamika Upton. Julia Robinson has also been ruled out, bringing Shenae Ciesiolka onto the wing. With starting prop Makenzie Weale a third player to be ruled out with injury, Broncos recruit Lillian Yarrow has been brought onto the bench for her Origin debut. Sharks back Georgia Ravics is the new face in the squad of 20.
Blues: No changes made one day out from the game. Hannah Southwell drops out of the extended squad. In earlier team news, having wrapped up the series at Suncorp Stadium, coach John Strange has named an unchanged side as his side targets a whitewash. Olivia Higgins was a late switch to start last game and has been named at hooker for Game Three. Teagan Berry, who came on just before half-time for Jayme Fressard on the wing and later pulled off a game-saving tackle, has again been named to come from the bench.
Stat Attack
The Maroons won Game 3 in 2024 and 2025.
The Blues have won four of the last five Women’s Origin fixtures.
The Maroons have lost four of their last five Origin games played in Queensland.
Blues centre Jess Sergis has scored four tries in her last five Origin appearances.
The Maroons have averaged only eight points per game in 2026.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.