Kiria-Ratu set to debut for Maroons in Origin opener

New Maroons coach Nathan Cross has named five debutants in a 20-strong squad for Game One of the 2026 Ampol Women’s State of Origin series.

Queensland will open their campaign against NSW at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on April 30, as they look to build a strong platform for the series in their first match under Cross.

With Ali Brigginshaw having retired from Origin and star halfback Tarryn Aiken, the 2024 IRL Golden Boot winner, unavailable due to an ACL injury, Cross has chosen Cook Islands and Cronulla Sharks playmaker Chantay Kiria-Ratu to partner Lauren Brown in the halves.

Kiwi Ferns prop Otesa Pule has been named on the interchange bench after the change to Origin eligibility rules announced earlier this year enabled the Sydney Roosters premiership winner to represent her adopted state.

Gold Coast Titans wing sensation Phoenix-Raine Hippi has also been named to make her Origin debut on the wing, with the trio earning selection following strong performances during the pre-series Origin campaign.

Samoa young guns, Ivana Lolesio and Destiny Mino-Sinapati have been named on the extended bench.

The inclusion of the five new faces highlights the continued growth and depth of the women’s game in Queensland, with the next generation ready to step into the Origin arena.

The squad retains a strong core of experienced representatives headed by Brown and superstar fullback Tamika Upton, who will provided a solid foundation as Queensland prepares for the opening clash in Newcastle.

The Maroons will come together in camp on Thursday ahead of Game I.