‘I think we’re ready’: Kirra Dibb calls for major change to Women’s State of Origin

A leading voice in rugby league has called for a major change to the female version of the sport’s greatest spectacle. Find out what players want to introduce to the State of Origin arena.

After successfully campaigning for a third Women’s State of Origin game in 2024, a leading voice in the sport has called for a major change to the female version of rugby league’s greatest spectacle.

Cowboys co-captain and NSW Sky Blues halfback Kirra Dibb believes the women’s game is ready for 40 minute halves when it comes to the Origin arena.

Currently the NRLW plays 35-minute halves and State of Origin follows suit, though when it comes to the international game women and men both play an 80-minute game.

Dibb said the game was at the point where the top players could handle the increased workload.

“I think that the Origin game in the next couple of years should go up to 40 minute halves. I think we’re ready, especially at that level,” Dibb said.

“I love that we made it shorter, to make sure that we minimise those injuries and maximise our skill and our talent to show under a little bit less fatigue when our professional game hadn’t been around for as long.

Women's State of Origin representatives in Townsville to promote game 3 on June 27. Makenzie Weale (QLD), Emma Manzelmann (QLD), Kirra Dibb (Cowboys) and Jakiya Whitfeld (NSW). Picture: Townsville City Council.

“But at international level if you play for the Jillaroos you do play 40 minutes, and I do think that Origin is ready for that.

“So now that our three game series is gone, and obviously we’ve made it quite the spectacle going and winning one each, I do think our next step would also be to do the 40 minutes and give everyone every minute of opportunity to try and take away the shield.”

Dibb is one of four Cowboys involved in the 2024 Origin series, though she and fellow NSW squad member Jakiya Whitfeld did not play in the first two matches.

The Cowboys’ two Maroons, Emma Manzelmann and Makenzie Weale, have both featured prominently for their state from the interchange.

The highly anticipated Women’s State of Origin decider will be played in Townsville on Thursday, June 27. Kick-off is at 7.45pm with tickets still available online via the NRL website.

Originally published as ‘I think we’re ready’: Kirra Dibb calls for major change to Women’s State of Origin