NSW will welcome back superstar prop Millie Elliott after she missed the 2025 Women’s State of Origin series while pregnant, and Emma Verran’s pregnancy has opened the door for Teagan Berry to make her debut.
Elliott missed the 2025 NRLW season, but Origin I in Newcastle on April 30 is set to mark her first game since giving birth to daughter Gigi in September.
Meanwhile, Verran, who announced her pregnancy in January, has been replaced on the bench by Dragons fullback Berry.
Rampaging Roosters prop Rima Butler has also been named on the six-player bench for a potential debut.
“I’m really excited about the squad that we’ve named, it’s a very well-balanced team from 1-17,” 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.”
Teagan Berry has been a constant presence at the back for the Dragons since her 2020 debut. (Getty Images: Scott Gardiner)
NSW won the series 2-1 last year, only losing the dead rubber third game.
Fourteen players from that series victory have been named for game one, although hooker Keeley Nizza (nee Davis) and back rower Yasmin Meakes (nee Clydsdale) will sport new names on the back of their jerseys.
Like Roosters teammate Boyle, Corban Baxter is also set to return to the Origin scene for the first time since 2024, named in jersey number 18 after missing last year due to injury.
Sharks captain Tiana Penitani-Gray adds a fourth starting position to her Origin career, named at back row after previously playing centre, wing and five-eighth for NSW.
Her move pushes former captain Kezie Apps to the bench.
Queensland named its team earlier on Wednesday, naming five potential debutants in the absence of star playmakers Ali Brigginshaw and Tarryn Aiken.
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