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.
Rob
Guest
Now a piggy back.
Rob
Guest
Well that's a ridicules penalty against Queensland. Error by NSW 2m from their own line and Ref turns a lost ball into a penalty for the Blues?
Ben
Roar Guru
Enjoyed it! One thing that gets me about women's rugby league is the physicality. Some of these women hit damn hard.
Tom English
Roar Guru
NSW looked on top early on, with a try to Taleena Simon which seemed too easy. At halftime, they looked like they could go on to put many more points on Queensland, but the Maroons’ forwards brought them back into the game, by winning the collision. Karina Brown the sole scorer for the Maroons. Couple of good kicks at goal, from Studdon and Baker. NSW seemed to have the better backs, but Qld’s forwards were dominating the NSW pack- a trend that continued all game. Davis-Welsh dotted down soon after halftime, to put the Blues ahead 10-6 after the conversion didn't have the legs. Karina Brown scored the second try for Queensland, which was also her second try, in the 45th minute. Isabelle Kelly bursted over the tryline for a four pointer with 6 minutes left, a score that Studdon converted, which was ultimately enough for the win for NSW
Tom English
Roar Guru
Agree.
Tom English
Roar Guru
Full Time 60' - That is the game, it was hard and tough, it opened up in the second half however with a few quick tries, but it is the NSW Blues who come away with the win here. NSW: 16 QLD: 10
Gold Coast Bunny
Guest
Good game with pretty sound skill level. Congrats to both teams and go the blues
Tom English
Roar Guru
Full Time 60' - LAST MINUTE Last tackle, NSW looked to be wrapped up but there was an offload- Qld kick across field with 5 seconds left and it is taken by NSW! NSW: 16 QLD: 10
Tom English
Roar Guru
Blues regain, and have another set of six!
Tom English
Roar Guru
59' - NSW doing nothing adventurous, slow old play the balls. Kick charged down however! NSW: 16 QLD: 10
Tom English
Roar Guru
59' - NSW doing nothing adventurous, slow old play the balls. NSW: 16 QLD: 10
Tom English
Roar Guru
58' - Brigginshaw stopped 20 out! Revell-Blair goes herself, but the Blues wake up, and four of them drag her over the sideline! Make that five. NSW: 16 QLD: 10
Tom English
Roar Guru
57' - NSW will just take as long as possible- no wait, knockon by the Blues! NSW: 16 QLD: 10
Tom English
Roar Guru
56' - New South Wales by no means hurrying the kick. Studdon has kicked harder ones this game. Again, the kick has the direction but barely the distance, but this time it's over! NSW: 16 QLD: 10
Tom English
Roar Guru
Try 57' - O'Mealey picked up a Qld dropped ball, almost goes all the way. Isabelle Kelly is given the ball- she reaches out and scores! NSW: 14 QLD: 10
Tom English
Roar Guru
54' - Revell-Blair gathers the kick, Kuk makes the fourth, Breayley kicks it and it eventually finds touch. 6,824 is the crowd number. If NSW get it to their backs, they can win this game. NSW: 10 QLD: 10
Tom English
Roar Guru
50' - Simon runs up to halfway, Quinn is smashed. NSW: 10 QLD: 10
Tom English
Roar Guru
Ten minutes remaining.
Tom English
Roar Guru
50' - Maroons kick early, it dribbles into touch. NSW: 10 QLD: 10
Tom English
Roar Guru
49' - Apps knocks on unfortunately, now Qld will attempt to run it out. NSW: 10 QLD: 10