Women’s State of Origin decider: Maroons skipper Ali Brigginshaw reaches milestone moment

When this year’s Women’s State of Origin decider wraps up, Queensland captain Ali Brigginshaw will deservedly be placed alongside some of the sport’s biggest names, regardless of the outcome in Townsville.

After the third and final game in this year’s Women’s State of Origin, Maroons Captain Ali Brigginshaw is set to be on par with greats Mal Meninga and Allan Langer.

When the final clash between Maroons and New South Wales is played in Townsville on June 27, Brigginshaw will have wrapped up 16 seasons representing her state, putting her on par with two of the biggest names in the men’s game.

Brigginshaw said she had always looked up to greats like Allan Langer and was proud to represent her hometown, Ipswich, in the origin.

“It’s been so great to be out on the big stage creating history, we’ve played three games and I’ve been able to be there when it was really tough for female players,” she said.

Brigginshaw said it was great to see so many people excited to watch the Women’s State of Origin, with Game II in Newcastle a sellout.

Queensland State of Origin Captain Ali Brigginshaw with Ipswich Falcons players Clemintine Baker, Addison Brigginshaw and Maggie Hodgson. Picture: Richard Walker

“As someone who was told I would never be allowed to play after the age of 12 when I was the only girl playing rugby league and having constant critics saying our games will never be the same as the men’s game, it helped me build resilience,” she said.

“But now for every bad comment there’s twenty good ones.”

Brigginshaw said she felt excited about the opportunities for young female players.

“There’s so many supportive people and you are much more able to build a profile in sports which is something we were never able to do so it feels pretty great to see.”

Brigginshaw said Thursday’s decider is shaping up to be an amazing occasion for women’s rugby league.

“The team is looking great, and we have such a good vibe,” she said.

“Game two really brought us together and I know it’s going to be a good game and what people are going to see is two teams going at it for a win.”

Originally published as Women’s State of Origin decider: Maroons skipper Ali Brigginshaw reaches milestone moment