Historic women's Origin born from 2023 fiasco: Ali

Queensland captain Ali Brigginshaw (left) and Jaime Chapman of the NSW Blues with the Origin shield. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

Queensland captain Ali Brigginshaw says tears of joy will be shed when the upcoming  three-game women's State of Origin showpiece kicks off, as she pinpointed a controversial moment that led to the historic series.

The May 16 clash at Suncorp Stadium between the Maroons and NSW will be the first time a women's stand-alone Origin match has been played at the venue. 

It also marks the start of the first three-game series in women's Origin history, and the opening match will be played, also for the first time, a day before the NRL's Magic Round kicks off in Brisbane.

Last year the two-game Origin series was drawn 1-1, but the Maroons won on for and against. It left a sour taste for both states.

The decision by the NRL to go to three games was born partly from last year's fiasco, Brigginshaw said. 

"I believe that things happen in the women's game for a reason. If it was 2-0 to us last year we might not have got the extra game," she said.

"Because it was 1-1 I believe it all worked for the betterment of the game, and we got three games because of it."

NSW outside back Jaime Chapman recalled the aftermath of last year's 1-1 result as a turning point.

"Last year we both won a game and it was the weirdest feeling I have ever felt," she told AAP.

"We won the second game, but to see the Maroons up there celebrating was quite bizarre.. Now it is just so exciting and we can only go forward with three games."

Brigginshaw debuted in the old interstate "series" in 2009. She recalled having an injured shoulder in 2011 and missed the last women's interstate match to be played at Suncorp Stadium.

"I remember sitting in the stands and there were a couple of hundred people all (enclosed) in one area and it didn't feel like a crowd at all," she said.

"To know we are pushing for a record crowd at Suncorp Stadium (for a women's Origin game) and we will run out before Magic Round starts is just unbelievable.

"I know there are so many ladies I played with in the Maroons jersey in those early years who would have only dreamt of this opportunity.

"They will be in the stands or at home with a tear in their eye when we run out."

Brigginshaw, 34, said she has no intention of retiring at the end of this year.

Ali Brigginshaw
Ali Brigginshaw, pictured in action for Australia, has no intention of retiring just yet.

"I am more competitive than ever. I haven't lost my love for the game," she said.  

Brigginshaw's Jillaroos teammate Chapman has been a star for the Gold Coast in the NRLW and thrives in the Origin arena.

"Origin is so different to any other game with the rivalry," she said.

"It is tough. It has that bit of mongrel, and you can let out all your aggression on the field against Queensland."

Winning the opening match will be vital for NSW, with the second Origin clash in Newcastle on June 6 and the third in Townsville on June 27. 

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store