Roar Guru
The New South Wales women will be out to win their third consecutive game against the Queensland women from North Sydney Oval. Join The Roar for live scores and blog from 7:40pm AEST.
These states have played once annually since 1999. The Maroons have held the upper hand until recently – winning the first 16 encounters – but the Blues held them to a draw in 2015, and have won both games since then.
It will be the first time that the State of Origin brand will be used for the women, as previously this game was known as the Interstate Challenge.
This game will not only serve as a groundbreaking Women’s Rugby League exhibition, but also as an opportunity for some of the women who aren’t contracted to NRL Women’s sides, to show their abilities.
The last three clashes have averaged 16 points per game, so don’t look for a flurry of scoring, but instead expect close, tough rugby league.
The Queenslanders have named five debutants; Meg Ward, Maitua Feterika, Tallisha Harden, Mariah Storch and Rhiannon Revell-Blair.
Katrina Brown will have captain’s duties, while Brittany Breayley will be second in command for the Maroons.
For NSW, Jillaroo and skipper Ruan Sims has been ruled out with a broken hand, making Rabbitoh Maddison Studdon, the captain, while Eliana Walton will take the role of vice-captain as she runs out for her 10th Blues appearance.
There’s no doubt the Blues will miss the ball-carrying of Sims, but they will nonetheless head in as firm favourites, with the likes of Kezie Apps, Talesha Quinn, Sam Bremner and Corban McGregor all running out.
Keep an eye on the forwards from both sides, with a great few matchups happening there.
Blues to pull away and win 18-10.