Westpac NSW Blues Women's team named for Origin I

Westpac NSW Blues Women’s coach John Strange has named 14 players from the team who claimed last year’s Ampol Women’s State of Origin series in his squad to face Queensland for Game One of the 2026 series on Thursday 30 April at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.

The squad was unveiled today by NSWRL Chair Carolyn Campbell at the Sydney Opera House with Strange, Westpac NSW Blues captain Isabelle Kelly and the squad all in attendance before they headed into camp at Sydney Olympic Park to begin preparations for the opening game.

The new faces include debutant Teagan Berry (St George Illawarra Dragons), who has been named on the bench, and prop Rima Butler (Sydney Roosters), who is also yet to play for NSW and is part of the extended 20-player squad.

Other changes include the return of prop Millie Elliott (Sydney Roosters), who missed last year’s series due to pregnancy, Jocelyn Kelleher (Sydney Roosters) has been named at five-eighth, while the experienced Tiana Penitani Gray (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks) moves to the back row.

“I’m really excited about the squad that we’ve named, it’s a very well-balanced team from 1-17,” Westpac NSW Blues Women’s coach John Strange said.

“The six-week training block was very enjoyable and bringing the players and staff together gave them a great opportunity to connect both on and off the field.

“I’m looking forward to camp starting and can’t wait to get to work to defend the Shield.”

Game Two will be played at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium on Thursday 14 May to kick-off the NRL’s Magic Round, and Game Three at Gold Coast’s Cbus Super Stadium on Thursday 28 May.

2026 WESTPAC NSW BLUES WOMEN’S SQUAD

Game One, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, Thursday 30 April

Westpac NSW Blues Women

1. Abbi Church (Parramatta Eels)
2. Jaime Chapman (Gold Coast Titans)
3. Jess Sergis (Sydney Roosters)
4. Isabelle Kelly (Sydney Roosters)
5. Jayme Fressard (Sydney Roosters)
6. Jocelyn Kelleher (Sydney Roosters)
7. Jesse Southwell (Brisbane Broncos)
8. Millie Elliott (Sydney Roosters)
9. Keeley Nizza (Sydney Roosters)
10. Ellie Johnston (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)

11. Tiana Penitani Gray (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)

12. Yasmin Meakes (Newcastle Knights)
13. Olivia Kernick (Sydney Roosters)
14. Olivia Higgins (Newcastle Knights)
15. Kennedy Cherrington (Parramatta Eels)
16. Kezie Apps (Wests Tigers)
17. Teagan Berry* (St George Illawarra Dragons)
18. Corban Baxter (Sydney Roosters)
19. Rima Butler* (Sydney Roosters)
20. Quincy Dodd (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
Coach: John Strange
*Denotes yet to play for NSW