The Women's State of Origin series is the annual rugby league football match between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons. The first interstate competition was played in 1999.

Fun Fact: The first interstate challenge between New South Wales and Queensland was played in 1999, but it wasn't officially called State of Origin until 2018

During the Women's State of Origin tournament, usually there is just one game between the teams. However, in 2004 and 2008 there was a two game series, and in light of the rising interest in the series there were two games in 2023, and three from 2024 onwards. In the case of one win each, the series will be decided based on the aggregate score.

Check out the winners of the men's State of Origin Series.

State of Origin Winners List

Of the 27 years that matches have been played to date, Queensland have won 20, New South Wales 6, with 1 drawn (in 2015). Queensland won the first 16.

Year Winner Wins Losses Drawn
2025 New South Wales 2 1 0
2024 Queensland 2 1 0
2023 Queensland (aggregate 32-28) 1 1 0
2022 New South Wales 1 0 0
2021 Queensland 1 0 0
2020 Queensland 1 0 0
2019 New South Wales 1 0 0
2018 New South Wales 1 0 0
2017 New South Wales 1 0 0
2016 New South Wales 1 0 0
2015 Draw 0 0 1
2014 Queensland 1 0 0
2013 Queensland 1 0 0
2012 Queensland 1 0 0
2011 Queensland 1 0 0
2010 Queensland 1 0 0
2009 Queensland 1 0 0
2008 Queensland 2 0 0
2007 Queensland 1 0 0
2006 Queensland 1 0 0
2005 Queensland 1 0 0
2004 Queensland 2 0 0
2003 Queensland 1 0 0
2002 Queensland 1 0 0
2001 Queensland 1 0 0
2000 Queensland 1 0 0
1999 Queensland 1 0 0

Historical Significance and Development

The Women's State of Origin represents a pivotal development in Australian rugby league history. Beginning in 1999, the competition initially struggled for recognition and resources, playing curtain-raiser matches with limited media coverage.

However, the quality of play and growing public interest gradually elevated the series to standalone status.

Queensland's Dominance Era

From 1999 to 2014, Queensland established an unprecedented 16-match winning streak, showcasing superior player development pathways.

NSW Breakthrough

The Blues' first victory in 2016 marked a turning point, winning four consecutive matches from 2016-2019.

Series Expansion

The move to a three-game series in 2024 reflects the competition's growth and commercial viability.

Key Milestones and Records

The evolution of Women's State of Origin includes several significant milestones that have shaped the competition. The 2015 drawn match remains unique in the series history, ending 4-4 and demonstrating the increasingly competitive nature of the rivalry.

The 2023 series, decided by aggregate score after each team won one match, introduced a new dimension to the competition format.

“I’m so excited, Origin is the pinnacle of our game … I’m just really excited and I can’t wait to run out.”
— Ellie Johnston speaking ahead of the Women’s State of Origin, April 30, 2025.

Impact on Women's Rugby League

The State of Origin series has been instrumental in driving the professionalization of women's rugby league in Australia. The competition has provided a platform for female athletes to showcase their skills at the highest level, leading to increased participation rates at grassroots levels and the establishment of the NRLW competition in 2018.

Television viewership has grown exponentially, with the 2024 series attracting over 900,000 viewers nationally, demonstrating the commercial viability of women's sport. This success has translated into improved player payments, better training facilities, and professional support structures that mirror those available in the men's game.

Pro Tip: When analyzing State of Origin statistics, consider the context of each era - Queensland's early dominance occurred when they had more established women's rugby league pathways, while NSW's recent success coincides with significant investment in their women's programs.

Current Format and Competition Structure

The modern Women's State of Origin format, established in 2024, consists of three matches played across several weeks. This expansion from the traditional single-match format allows for greater tactical depth and provides more opportunities for players to showcase their abilities. When teams finish with equal wins, the aggregate score across all matches determines the series winner, adding strategic complexity to team selection and game management.