Following its massive success earlier this season, the Women’s State of Origin is returning to Newcastle in 2025.
A record-breaking crowd – originally registered as “sold out” – attended the fixture at McDonald Jones Stadium, which was won by Queensland in a thriller, and the NRL is hoping to build on those impressive numbers.
In 2024, Knights stars Olivia Higgins, Caitlan Johnston and Yasmin Clydsdale were key members of the Sky Blues, while 2023 Dally M Player of the Year Tamika Upton lined up for the Maroons.
The series will again open on the Thursday night before Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium on 1 May, before the clash at Allianz Stadium two weeks later.
Newcastle is then hosting the finale, and possible decider, on 29 May.
Sydney last staged a women’s Origin match at CommBank Stadium in 2023, when a crowd of 12,972 turned up.
But, head office has been buoyed by big attendance in Brisbane, Newcastle and Townsville and wants to back the product at the 45,500-seat Allianz Stadium.
NSW confirmed Kylie Hilder’s four-year stint as coach is over after the Sky Blues only lifted the shield once in the past four years.
“I felt it was time for a change for the team,” she said.
“However, I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and privilege of coaching the NSW Women’s Origin team over the past four years and I take a lot of pride in the contribution I have been able to make in that short time.
“To see women’s Origin grow from one game when I started coaching to a three-game series this year is a monumental achievement for the game and speaks volumes about the incredible talent pool in the women’s ranks.
“It also says a lot about the work that is being done at NSWRL in our pathways programs to develop genuine player depth at all levels, preparing them for NRLW and Origin honours.”
Meanwhile, the next men’s NSW State of Origin mentor will be thrown straight into the deep end, with a series opener at Suncorp Stadium on 28 May awaiting Michael Maguire’s successor.
Game II’s slated for Perth on 18 June with the third at Accor Stadium on 9 July.
It comes as the NSW Rugby League continues to weigh up its next option, with another board meeting scheduled for this month.
Laurie Daley remains the frontrunner for the position but would have to give up select roles with his chief employer the TAB to take up the job.
He coached the Blues for five series between 2013 and 2017, winning two of seven matches at Suncorp Stadium against a dominant Maroons side.
The opener also looms as crucial for Queensland, given its poor record in Perth.
The Maroons have been beaten 38-6 and 44-12 in their two Origin matches at Optus Stadium and can ill-afford to go on the road 1-0 down.
With AAP
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