Women's State of Origin: Apps called into Blues starting lineup

The Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons have named a settled squad for Game II of the 2026 Women’s State of Origin series, with coach Nathan Cross backing the group to respond on home soil after a narrow opening-game defeat in Newcastle.

Queensland return to camp this week ahead of a must-win clash, with several emerging stars retaining their spots alongside an experienced core led by Tamika Upton.

Cross said the group had embraced the challenge of bouncing back in front of a Queensland crowd.

“We’ve been really happy with the way the group has responded since Newcastle,” Cross said.

"There’s been a strong energy around camp. The players know what’s required at Origin level and they’re excited by the opportunity to bring the series back to Queensland.

“We saw some really positive signs in Game I. The effort areas, the physicality and the way the group connected under pressure were all strong.

“This squad has worked hard for each other right through the pre-series period and there’s a real belief in what we’re building together.”

Game II will again feature a blend of established Maroons stars and emerging talent, with several players continuing their first Origin campaigns after impressing during the opening game.

Recent medical procedures are in place regarding players Keilee Joseph and Makenzie Weale, who suffered head knocks in the five-point loss in Game One.

The outcome of the result will determine Cross' decision on who will take the field next Thursday. 

Additionally, Game One debutant Phoenix-Raine Hippi has been ruled out from the Suncorp Stadium clash with a hamstring injury and will be reassessed for Game III on the Gold Coast.

Cowboys back Jasmine Peters in the new addition to the 20-player squad. 

Queensland will be looking to level the series and force a decider as the State of Origin returns to home territory.

For New South Wales, Sydney Roosters prop Rima Butler is set to make her State of Origin debut at Suncorp Stadium after being named in the NSW Blues squad to replace the injured Tiana Penitani Gray.

The Blues travel to Brisbane seeking to wrap up the series at Suncorp Stadium on May 14 after winning last week's opening game 11-6 in Newcastle.

NSW coach John Strange has made just one change, with Butler to make her Origin debut from the interchange. Butler played for the Jillaroos in last year's Pacific Championships.

Wests Tigers captain Kezie Apps moves from the bench to the secondrow in place of Penitani Gray, who suffered a knee injury in the series opener.

Dragons forward Hannah Southwell, Roosters utility back Corban Baxter and Sharks hooker Quincy Dodd were named on an extended bench.