‘It’s pretty hard’: Fixing the key issue holding back women’s Origin

Challenges of Scheduling the Women’s State of Origin

Jada Ferguson, the hooker for the Queensland Maroons, has openly admitted that the scheduling of the women’s State of Origin series is a difficult issue. She acknowledges the challenge but is unsure of how to resolve it ahead of the 2026 opener.

The format of the women’s Origin has been a topic of discussion for years. Initially, there were talks about moving from a single match to a three-match series. In 2023, the format was changed to two matches, and in 2024, it expanded to a full three-match series. However, the current focus is on the schedule, as all three matches are played before the NRLW season begins.

Ferguson highlights the difficulty of maintaining high-quality play without proper match fitness among the players. She explained that it is challenging for players, especially those from the Broncos, to return to competitive action after such a long break.

“It’s really hard knowing it’s our first game for Broncos players since the grand final last year,” she said on Wide World of Sports’ QLDER.

“It’s your first game, it’s that high quality level, it’s pretty hard to go straight into that having not played in so long.”

She added that while she doesn’t know the exact solution, she believes the series should be held after or in between the NRLW season.

“Personally, I think it would be all right to have a bye weekend in the NRLW and maybe do it then. It’s hard to say, but I definitely think it needs to be after or in between the NRLW.”

Possible Solutions for the Schedule

Adam Jackson from 9news Queensland suggested two options for improving the schedule. One idea was to start the NRLW season earlier and have a six-week break before the finals. The other option was to hold the Origin series at the end of the season.

Ferguson saw merit in the end-of-season approach.

“It can be disruptive in the season splitting it,” she said.

“Maybe girls get injured and you lose them in the back half, which would be pretty hard. End of NRLW could work and that can go into the World Cup.”

Team Lists for the 2026 Women’s State of Origin

Here are the confirmed team lists for the 2026 Women’s State of Origin:

NSW Blues
1. Abbi Church (Parramatta Eels)
2. Jaime Chapman (Gold Coast Titans)
3. Jess Sergis (Sydney Roosters)
4. Isabelle Kelly (Sydney Roosters)
5. Jayme Fressard (Sydney Roosters)
6. Jocelyn Kelleher (Sydney Roosters)
7. Jesse Southwell (Brisbane Broncos)
8. Millie Elliott (Sydney Roosters)
9. Keeley Nizza (Sydney Roosters)
10. Ellie Johnston (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
11. Tiana Penitani Gray (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
12. Yasmin Meakes (Newcastle Knights)
13. Olivia Kernick (Sydney Roosters)
14. Olivia Higgins (Newcastle Knights)
15. Kennedy Cherrington (Parramatta Eels)
16. Kezie Apps (Wests Tigers)
17. Teagan Berry (St George Illawarra Dragons)
18. Corban Baxter (Sydney Roosters)
19. Rima Butler (Sydney Roosters)
20. Quincy Dodd (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)

QLD Maroons
1. Tamika Upton (Brisbane Broncos)
2. Julia Robinson (Brisbane Broncos)
3. Rory Owen (Parramatta Eels)
4. Shenae Ciesiolka (St. George Illawarra Dragons)
5. Phoenix-Raine Hippi (Gold Coast Titans)
6. Chantay Kiria-Ratu (Cronulla Sharks)
7. Lauren Brown (Gold Coast Titans)
8. Makenzie Weale (North Queensland Cowboys)
9. Jada Ferguson (Brisbane Broncos)
10. Jessika Elliston (Gold Coast Titans)
11. Sienna Lofipo (Gold Coast Titans)
12. Romy Teitzel (Brisbane Broncos)
13. Keilee Joseph (Parramatta Eels)
14. Emma Manzelmann (North Queensland Cowboys)
15. Otesa Pule (Sydney Roosters)
16. Chelsea Lenarduzzi (Brisbane Broncos)
17. Brianna Clark (Brisbane Broncos)
18. Ivana Lolesio (Gold Coast Titans)
19. Destiny Brill (Brisbane Broncos)
20. Destiny Mino-Sinapati (Gold Coast Titans)