Queensland captain Ali Brigginshaw is stoked the Sunshine Coast will again play host to the Women’s State of Origin clash.
The game will take place on Friday 25 June, after last year’s fixture was disrupted by COVID-19 restrictions.
The Maroons will have their chance to defend their breakthrough title win in front of a possible capacity home crowd at Sunshine Coast Stadium, after the NRL confirmed on Tuesday the women’s Ampol State of Origin would be played in the Sunshine State for another year.
Brigginshaw played an instrumental part in last year’s 24-18 victory over NSW at Sunshine Coast Stadium, which was the first Women’s Origin clash played in Queensland.
While last year’s clash was a sellout, crowd numbers were capped at 4800 due to COVID-19 restrictions. The Queensland skipper is hopeful this year’s match will again be a sellout but this time at the ground’s maximum capacity of 10,210.
“It wasn’t the best experience for all our fans and family with the restrictions so I’m really happy for everyone it’s back on the Sunny Coast,” Brigginshaw said.
“I thought we needed another opportunity here after winning the trophy. I think we need to fill this stadium with as many people as we possibly can and put on the spectacle it should’ve been minus COVID-19.
“We want to be in the community, at fan days and tick the boxes properly. It just wasn’t what it should’ve been for both teams and that was no one’s fault.
“It was still amazing to see maroon in the crowd and family members who haven’t been able to make it to games in Sydney be there.
“But now we want it to be even bigger this year. That’s what gets you through, a big crowd and playing in front of your friends and family.”
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said the Sunshine Coast deserved hosting rights again following the success of 2020.
“Women’s Origin is one of the highlights of our calendar and we’re excited to see it return to the Sunshine Coast,” Abdo said.
“Women’s rugby league is the fastest-growing part of our game and this year we will create history with two female coaches, that’s a great acknowledgement of the talent in our female ranks.”
Queensland Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe welcomed the announcement.
“The growth of the women’s game is wonderful, and Queenslanders will welcome this match once again with open arms,” he said.
Tickets are now available for the June 25 match through www.ticketek.com.au
