A new chapter unfolds as the Maroons unveil their squad for the first Women's State of Origin match in Newcastle, facing a significant shift in their lineup.
With key players Ali Brigginshaw and Tarryn Aiken unavailable, the team sees fresh faces stepping onto the field.
Brigginshaw has retired from the Origin arena this year, while Aiken is currently recovering from an ACL injury sustained at the close of last NRLW season.
This is a historic moment for Queensland, as it will be the first time since the 2015 Interstate Challenge that they compete without Brigginshaw, and the first absence of Aiken since 2019.
Chantay Kiria-Ratu from the Sharks will debut at five-eighth alongside seasoned player Lauren Brown, who continues to hold her halfback role.
Joining them is Phoenix-Raine Hippi, making her Origin debut on the wing alongside her Titans teammate.
On the bench, Otesa Pule and Ivana Lolesio are poised for potential first appearances, with Destiny Mino-Sinapati also making her mark in jersey number 20.
Tamika Upton, last year's co-captain and a standout fullback, returns to the squad after missing the previous match due to a hip injury.
In this shift, new head coach Nathan Cross has made decisive changes, leaving out Sophie Holyman and Tavarna Papalii, both of whom participated in all three matches last year.
Though Shannon Mato, the 2024 player of the series, expressed her eagerness to return to maroon after last year's absence due to pregnancy, she has not been included for Origin I.