Women’s State of Origin U19s: NSW defeat Queensland 26-10
The NRLW stars of tomorrow were on display as the Blues claimed victory over Maroons in the under-19s Origin, with playmakers Kasey Reh and Evie McGrath giving Dragons and Tigers fans reasons to be excited for the future.
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The under-19s women’s State of Origin contest has been run and done with a cracking contest unfolding at the Sunshine Coast Stadium on Thursday night.
The Blues were able to claim a 20-14 win over Queensland to begin proceedings with the men’s match underway from 7.45pm.
It was a night for numerous future NRL stars to shine with Kasey Reh, Tess McWilliams, Phoenix-Raine Hippi and Takoda Thompson all impressing.
With the women’s under-19s State of Origin series in the books for another year, here are the things we learned.
REH IS READY
With dual International Tyla King opting out of her final 2025 season with the Dragons all eyes moved quickly to rising star Kasey Reh.
The Blues captain made her NRLW debut for the Dragons in 2024 but was stuck behind King and former Dally M Medallist Raecene McGregor for a spot in the halves, playing the majority of her games at dummy half.
On Thursday night, Reh staked her claim as a true standout performer with a number of well thought attacking plays.
The 19-year-old’s kicking game would’ve been a focus for the Maroons back five but her booming right foot caught them on the back foot early.
Reh found herself on the end of a Blue breakaway run in the second half to snag a four-pointer of her own.
The direct but subtle flashy play from the Blues halves on Thursday night was a joy to watch.
Halfback Kasey Reh and five-eight Evie McGrath picked their moments well with some smart platform setting tackles while also finding the gaps in behind the ruck and on the edge.
McGrath, who made three appearances for the Wests Tigers NRLW side in 2024, showed off her speed and quick hands.
Hooker Tori Shipton also had an impact on the match with plenty of effort plays from siren to siren.
Accompanied extremely well by her five-eight Evie McGrath, the pair were offered up plenty of space and open play.
RISING TIGER READY TO BE UNLEASHED
The direct but subtle flashy play from the Blues halves on Thursday night was a joy to watch.
Halfback Kasey Reh and five-eight Evie McGrath picked their moments well with some smart platform setting tackles while also finding the gaps in behind the ruck and on the edge.
McGrath, who made three appearances for the Wests Tigers NRLW side in 2024, showed off her speed and quick hands.
Hooker Tori Shipton also had an impact on the match with plenty of effort plays from siren to siren.
MORE THAN ENOUGH TO BE EXCITED ABOUT
Named on the interchange bench for the Maroons, Shalom Sauaso is a name to remember if you don’t know her already.
Turning 18 this month, there aren’t many teenagers in the land as gifted as the dual-code phenom, in fact, she is one of a kind.
Sauaso was dropped into the middle of the field for the Maroons on Thursday night and it was clear to see the lights, crowd and camera weren’t a single worry for the rising star.
After starring for the Queensland Reds earlier this season, Sauaso is one of a rare breed of Australian-born females to ever play professional rugby union and rugby league in the same calendar year.
The Springfield sensation is on the Broncos top 24 books and once she is of age it won’t be long until the Kiwi-Samoan rising star is thrust into the rough-and-tumble code she started in as a West End (Ipswich) junior.
The strong but extremely mobile forward brings barnstorming ball-running and rib-crunching defence to any side.
WRECKING BALL
Blues prop forward Tess McWilliams made sure the Queensland middle were on their toes early as she set the tone for her side.
The Parramatta Eels signed talent and Port Macquarie Sharks junior, made plenty of dents through the middle that allowed her halves and outside attack to roll with ease.
She took plenty of pride in gaining control and letting her opposition know all about it with some strong tackles and work around the ruck.
SHAKE AND BAKE
Queensland right centre Phoenix-Raine Hippi was one of her side’s best on Thursday night despite getting minimal ball on the edge.
The former Ballina SHS jet created plenty of spark with her footwork which lit up the Maroons attack.
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Originally published as Women’s State of Origin U19s: NSW defeat Queensland 26-10
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