Fine forecast as Women’s State of Origin goes from strength to strength

Jessika Elliston and Shannon Mato celebrate Queensland’s victory over NSW in last year’s Women’s State of Origin game II. Photograph: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

A forecast for clear skies for Brisbane on Thursday has players and officials optimistic that women’s rugby league will launch itself into a new era of prominence in the first match of this year’s Women’s State of Origin.

Last year’s series featured three contests for the first time, unprecedented television ratings and record crowds, but each clash was affected by inclement weather, giving rise to hopes of even larger attendances in 2025.