The Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons have named a settled and battle-ready 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 will 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.
The Maroons showed plenty of grit in Game I despite going down by five points, and 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.
Nathan Cross Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons Head Coach
“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. The outcome of the result will determine Cross' decision on who will take the field next Thursday.
Queensland will be looking to level the series and force a decider as the State of Origin returns to home territory.
HARVEY NORMAN QUEENSLAND MAROONS GAME II SQUAD
Coach: Nathan Cross
* Denotes potential debutant
| Player | NRLW Club |
|---|---|
| Brianna Clark | Brisbane Broncos |
| Chantay Kiria-Ratu | Cronulla Sharks |
| Chelsea Lenarduzzi | Brisbane Broncos |
| Destiny Brill | Brisbane Broncos |
| Destiny Mino-Sinapati* | Gold Coast Titans |
| Emma Manzelmann | North Queensland Cowboys |
| Ivana Lolesio | Gold Coast Titans |
| Jada Ferguson | Brisbane Broncos |
| Jasmine Peters | North Queensland Cowboys |
| Jess Elliston | Gold Coast Titans |
| Julia Robinson | Brisbane Broncos |
| Keilee Joseph | Parramatta Eels |
| Lauren Brown | Gold Coast Titans |
| Makenzie Weale | North Queensland Cowboys |
| Otesa Pule | Sydney Roosters |
| Romy Teitzel | Brisbane Broncos |
| Rory Owen | Parramatta Eels |
| Shenae Ciesiolka | St George Illawarra Dragons |
| Sienna Lofipo | Gold Coast Titans |
| Tamika Upton | Brisbane Broncos |
