Four Sharks could feature in next week's women's State of Origin opener as Blues trio Tiana Penitani Gray, Ellie Johnston and Quincy Dodd face off against Maroons rookie Chantay Kiria-Ratu.
NSW and Queensland announced 20-player squads on Wednesday ahead of Game I at Newcastle's McDonald Jones Stadium on Thursday, April 30.
After returning from an ACL injury to help guide Cronulla to a preliminary final last year in her first season at the club, precocious playmaker Kiria-Ratu has been named to start at five-eighth for her State of Origin debut.
Kiria-Ratu has previously represented Queensland at Under 19s level.
The 21-year-old rising star will partner Lauren Brown in the halves as the Nathan Cross-coached Maroons aim to wrestle the Origin shield from NSW's grasp.
Meanwhile, the Blues are shooting for consecutive series wins for the first time since 2018 after taking the spoils 2-1 in 2025.
Penitani Gray and Johnston played pivotal roles last year, while Dodd – a five-time Blue – is pushing to represent NSW for the first time since 2023.
Despite being one of the NRLW's best centres, and after playing five-eighth in last year's Origin series, Penitani Gray has been selected in the second row. Johnston is listed to start at prop, with hooker Dodd on the extended bench.
Cronulla playmaker Emma Verran, who also made a significant contribution for the Sky Blues in previous years, is unavailable for selection due to pregnancy.
"I'm really excited about the squad that we’ve named, it’s a very well-balanced team from 1-17," Blues 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."
After another successful season for the Sharks, Penitani Gray, Johnston and Dodd enjoyed a triumphant Pacific Championships campaign for Australia in October. Kiria-Ratu also shone on the international stage for Cook Islands.
State of Origin will provide a launchpad for the Sharks quartet leading into a huge NRLW season, which starts against the Knights at home on Thursday, July 2.
See the NSW and Queensland squads below.
NSW Blues squad
Coach: John Strange
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)
Queensland Maroons
Coach: Nathan Cross
1. Tamika Upton (Brisbane Broncos)
2. Julia Robinson (Brisbane Broncos)
3. Rory Owen (Parramatta Eels)
4. Shenae Ciesiolka (St. George Illawarra Dragons)
5. Phoenix-Raine Hippi* (Gold Coast Titans)
6. Chantay Kiria-Ratu* (Cronulla Sharks)
7. Lauren Brown (Gold Coast Titans)
8. Makenzie Weale (North Queensland Cowboys)
9. Jada Ferguson (Brisbane Broncos)
10. Jessika Elliston (Gold Coast Titans)
11. Sienna Lofipo (Gold Coast Titans)
12. Romy Teitzel (Brisbane Broncos)
13. Keilee Joseph (Parramatta Eels)
14. Emma Manzelmann (North Queensland Cowboys)
15. Otesa Pule* (Sydney Roosters)
16. Chelsea Lenarduzzi (Brisbane Broncos)
17. Brianna Clark (Brisbane Broncos)
18. Ivana Lolesio* (Gold Coast Titans)
19. Destiny Brill (Brisbane Broncos)
20. Destiny Mino-Sinapati* (Gold Coast Titans)
* Yet to play State of Origin
