Meet the QLD Maroons’ WAGs: Power couples behind the 2024 State of Origin Series

From high school sweethearts, to entrepreneurs and healthcare professionals, here are the other and better halves of the Queensland Maroons.

As the Queensland Maroons gear up for another electrifying State of Origin series, the spotlight isn’t just on the athletes but also on the influential women standing strong beside them.

From high school sweethearts, to entrepreneurs and healthcare professionals, these are the power couples of the Maroons.

Claudia Schroder

(Murray Taulagi)

Since 2017, Claudia Schroder, who works as an occupational therapy assistant in Townsville, and Murray have been a dynamic duo, sharing snippets of their life, including their fur babies Ryder and Rocky, on TikTok.

Murray Taulagi with partner Claudia Schroder and dogs Ryder and Rocky. Photo: Instagram.

Natalia Holmes

(Valentine Holmes)

A powerhouse in her own right, Natalia juggles being a personal trainer and the owner of First Base Gym in Townsville. Married since 2019 to Valentine, the couple welcomed their son Billy Valentine Holmes in late 2021, expanding their team off the field.

Tahlia Church

(Tom Dearden)

Tahlia Church and Dearden, high school sweethearts, have a storybook romance originating from their days at Palm Beach Currumbin State High. Tahlia’s support shone brightly when Tom debuted for the Maroons in 2022, a moment she proudly celebrated online.

Vessa Rockliff

(Daly Cherry-Evans)

Vessa has been Daly’s anchor for over twelve years, sharing three daughters: Navi, 9, Harvie, 6, and Tilly, 4. Their longstanding relationship, which began when they met at the Harbord Hilton, has been a bedrock of support for Daly through countless games and life’s highs and lows.

Daly Cherry-Evans with partner Vessa Rockliff and children Navi 9, Harvie 6, Tully 4. Photo: Instagram.

Mackenzie Cotter

(Reuben Cotter)

Mackenzie and Reuben celebrated their love in a lavish Townsville wedding at the Ville Resort and Casino in October 2023, just a day after Reuben’s victory with Australia over Samoa. Their family grew with the arrival of their daughter Sunny in June 2022, and they are expecting their second child in June this year, beautifully coinciding with the Origin series.

Bridget Hunt

(Ben Hunt)

Bridget, a nutritionist, and Ben, captain of the Dragons, have been married since 2017 and are proud parents to Brady, 7, and Bowie, 5. Bridget’s lineage includes rugby league royalty, being the niece of former Queensland coach Michael Hagan.

Ben Hunt with his wife Bridget.

Kaylah Collins

(Lindsay Collins)

Kaylah married to Lindsay Collins since 2022, she epitomises the modern WAG with a career in PR and a stylish presence that’s hard to miss. The Collins’ are currently expecting their first child, announcing their pregnancy back in January 2024.

Collins turned up the heat at the 2023 Dally M Awards with a very risqué look, turning heads in a structured bodice and black skirt.

Lindsay Collins, prop for the Sydney Roosters is looking to offload his former Randwick home turned investment property with wife Kaylah. Source: Instagram

Kaylah Collins and Lindsay Collins at their baby shower. Photo: Instagram.

Jordii-Rae Mahendrarajah

(Jeremiah Nanai)

Together since Year 7, Nanai and former Queensland Women U19 and North Queensland Gold Stars prop partner Mahendrarajah share a profound connection rooted in their shared passions and history.

The couple, both from Cairns originally, solidified their commitment when they purchased their first home together in 2022.

Jeremiah Nanai and Jordii-Rae Mahendrarajah at Nanai's 21st birthday. Photo: Instagram.

Brooke Loiero

(Harry Grant)

While keeping a fairly low profile regarding their relationship, Harry Grant has been frequently spotted in the company of Brooke Loiero, who is the sister of his Melbourne Storm teammate, Trent Loiero.

The duo made a public appearance together at the 2022 Storm Player of the Year Award, and have since been photographed together at key events, including the 2023 Dally M Awards.

Vanessa Cox

(Moeaki Fotuaika)

Vanessa, a customer service and website administrator, and Fotuaika welcomed their son Malakai in 2023, a joyful addition to their life.

Fotuaika famously cut short the couple’s “Babymoon” in June 2023 when he won a spot in the side for the second Origin match.

The couple were holidaying in Byron Bay ahead of the arrival of their first child in September.

Erin Munn

(J’maine Hopgood)

Erin Munn girlfriend of J’maine Hopgood, welcomed their daughter Iyla Lorraine in 2023. Their relationship, starting in 2017, has grown alongside J’maine’s career, showing a strong foundation of support and love.

Erin Munn and J’maine Hopgood. Photo: Instagram.

Ruby Peyroux

(Selwyn Cobbo)

Although they prefer to keep their relationship out of the limelight, the couple has become an inseparable pair on the Brisbane social scene since being spotted at the Brisbane Broncos awards night in 2022. They were spotted vacationing in Bali with teammates, showcasing their integrated life within the NRL community.

Selwyn Cobb and Ruby Peyroux. Picture David Clark

Bek Kaufusi

(Felise Kaufusi)

Married since 2014, Bek and Felise’s family grew with the arrival of their fourth child, Zendaya Clare, in May 2023. Kaufusi and Rebecca were already parents to Indiana, Orlando, and Atarah.

Bek and Felise Kaufusi with their four kids, Indiana, Orlando, Atarah and Zendaya Clare. Photo: Instagram.

Kirstyn Lole

(Brendan Piakura)

Girlfriend to Brendan Piakura, 21-year-old model Kirstyn Lole who has been a regular on Brendan’s social media, including a recent getaway to the Cook Islands. Their relationship began shortly after the birth of Brendan’s daughter, Kora, in June 2022.

Kirstyn Lole and Brendan Piakura. Photo: Instagram.

21-year-old model Kirstyn Lole. Photo: Instagram.

Originally published as Meet the QLD Maroons’ WAGs: Power couples behind the 2024 State of Origin Series