New South Wales will seek its first Women's State of Origin victory over Queensland in Newcastle when the 2026 series opener kicks off tonight. The Blues have lost both previous Origin matches played in the city, including an 18-14 defeat last year and an 11-10 thriller in 2024 decided by a Maroons field goal.
Tonight's match is the only game of the three-match series to be held in New South Wales, with the remaining two fixtures scheduled for Brisbane and Robina. The Blues are aiming to break their Newcastle hoodoo and gain an early series advantage.
Blues captain Isabelle Kelly acknowledged the team's past struggles in Newcastle but expressed confidence. 'We haven't been too lucky here in Newcastle,' Kelly said. 'Every time we've been here, we've actually really enjoyed it as well, so it's not a sense of doom and gloom for us. Winning game one is a huge boost within the series.'
Kelly highlighted the strong local support for women's sport, noting that several Blues stars, including half-back Jesse Southwell and Knights captain Yasmin Meakes, hail from Newcastle. Southwell, who has played four seasons for the Newcastle Knights in the NRLW, has signed with Brisbane for the upcoming season. 'It's special, Newcastle always shows out for the women's game,' Southwell said.
