NSW Women's State of Origin Squad Features Four Debutants Ahead of Opener

The New South Wales Blues have unveiled a revamped squad for the 2025 Women's State of Origin series as they seek to reclaim the shield after last year's defeat. Coach John Strange has introduced eight new faces, including four debutants—Abbi Church, Jayme Fressard, Ellie Johnston, and Jocelyn Kelleher—while also recalling experienced players such as Kennedy Cherrington, Jesse Southwell, and Kirra Dibb. Isabelle Kelly has been named captain, and the squad was chosen after a competitive six-week training block, with Strange emphasizing that all players selected for Game 1 have earned their spots. The new halves pairing of Dibb and Southwell replaces last year’s combination, reflecting the team's fresh approach under Strange’s leadership. Game 1 will be held at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on May 1, with subsequent matches in Sydney and Newcastle. The Blues' squad signals a commitment to both rewarding form and fostering future talent as they aim to avenge their 2024 series loss.