Maroons launch Origin series with first-ever regional Queensland event

Young South Burnett rugby league players were overjoyed to meet the some of their idols during a regional-first visit to Kingaroy over the weekend.

The Queensland women's State of Origin team visited Kingaroy in the South Burnett on April 26 and 27 to celebrate their 2025 series launch. Photo credit: Queensland Maroons / Facebook

Young South Burnett rugby league players were overjoyed to meet the some of their sporting idols during a regional-first visit over the weekend.

The Queensland women’s State of Origin team arrived in Kingaroy on Saturday, April 26, to celebrate the launch of the women’s State of Origin series, the first time a launch has been taken to the regions.

Groups of young players, boys and girls, crowded around members of the women’s team hoping to snap a selfie, grab an autograph or have a quick chat.

Some were lucky enough to be delivered a drink by the team, who helped run water and give advice during games on Saturday, or to watch along as the team trained on Sunday morning.

Young South Burnett rugby league players were overjoyed to meet the some of their sporting idols during a regional first visit over the weekend. Photo credit: Queensland Maroons / Facebook

The official series launch event was held at The Old Hangar at Bethany on Saturday night, a cocktail style gathering.

Vice President of the Kingaroy Red Ants Juniors, Toby Broomhall, said it meant a lot to people in regional areas to have high-profile players visit their community.

“We’ve had quite a bit of growth in the past few years in the women’s rugby league space, but the women’s State of Origin team coming out and spending some time in the area means a lot,” Mr Broomhall said.

“We’re sure we’ll see a growth in the women’s game as well as the boys.

“The boys would have gotten a lot out of it as well.”

He said the “vibe was up” and there was a “real community type feel” during the fan day on Saturday.

The event coincided with the opening of the 2025 South Burnett junior rugby league season, which meant the regional hub was host to young players from all around the district.

“Typically with events like this, it’s just the one club and the one town that gets to benefit, but I really think the entire South Burnett, and even more so with the girls gala games going on, they got the benefit as well,” he said.

Vice President of the Kingaroy Red Ants Juniors, Toby Broomhall, said it means a lot to people in regional areas to have high-profile players visit their community. Photo credit: Queensland Maroons / Facebook

Queensland rugby league general manager pathways and performance, Glenn Ottaway, said it was really important for the Maroons to engage with regional communities because it helped build a connection across a state.

“All players that represent the Maroons are not only representing themselves, but their families and the whole state of Queensland,” Mr Ottaway said.

“We are a decentralised state, so taking Origin players and events to regional Queensland helps build the connection between the players and the people and state they represent.”

He said QRL pathway options meant young players did not have to move away from their hometowns to access the sport, and they thrived best where they were supported and surrounded by family and community.

“We also want young athletes to know that our current crop of stars come from all parts of the state.

“Many of our greatest Origin players have started their journey in regional Queensland.”

Maroons co-captain Ali Brigginshaw told 7News it was an unbelievable feeling seeing the crowd waiting for them in Kingaroy, particularly the number of young girls.

“It’s unbelievable. When we got off the bus, everyone was waiting so it was a really cool feel,” she said.

“And there’s a lot of girls.

“Unbelievable seeing so many girls in their footy gear and being really proud to play rugby league.”

The Queensland women's State of Origin team visited Kingaroy in the South Burnett on April 26 and 27 to celebrate their 2025 series launch. Photo credit: Queensland Maroons / Facebook

Mr Broomhall said the Kingaroy Red Ants were really proud to be able to be part of the historic event.

“It was the first time that the Women’s State of Origin team had gone out into the country and done something like that, so we were really proud that we were able to host them.”

The first game in the women’s State of Origin series will be played at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Thursday, May 1.