It's the end of an era: Ali Brigginshaw, the iconic captain of the Queensland Maroons, has made the tough call to retire from State of Origin football. This news has sent shockwaves through the rugby league community, leaving fans wondering what this means for the Maroons' future. But here's where it gets controversial... is this truly the end, or could we see a future comeback?
In a nutshell, Brigginshaw, arguably Queensland's most influential player in the NRLW era, is stepping down from Origin to dedicate her full attention to her final season with the Brisbane Broncos. This decision means she won't be leading the Maroons onto the field in the highly anticipated 2026 Women's Origin series opener against New South Wales in Newcastle on April 30th. That first game of the series is shaping up to be a real test for Queensland without their talismanic leader.
Brigginshaw's announcement, made on Friday morning, marks the end of a stellar Origin career. As the Maroons' most-capped player of the NRLW era, her presence on the field has been nothing short of inspirational. She explained that the decision came after considerable reflection during the off-season, ultimately concluding that focusing solely on her final season with the Broncos was the best path forward. This will be her last season playing rugby league altogether, adding extra weight to the decision.
It's worth noting that Brigginshaw's 2025 Origin campaign, by her own admission and the high standards she sets, was somewhat below par. She even found herself on the bench for the third and deciding game of the series – a move that sparked considerable debate among fans and commentators alike. Following the Maroons' 2-1 series defeat, the 36-year-old initially expressed an openness to continuing her Origin career. However, after careful consideration, she has chosen to prioritize her club commitments. And this is the part most people miss... the grueling demands of both Origin and NRLW can take a tremendous toll on players, both physically and mentally.
In her own words, Brigginshaw described the profound impact playing for Queensland had on her. "After many restless nights over the off-season, I have decided to end my time in the Origin arena and focus all my energy on the Broncos for the upcoming season, which will be my last in rugby league," Brigginshaw said. "I can't put into words what playing for Queensland meant to me. Pulling on the Maroon jersey made me feel bulletproof."
Since the inception of the NRLW era in 2018, Brigginshaw has been a constant presence in the Maroons lineup, featuring in every single game. Furthermore, she captained the side in an impressive 12 out of those 13 matches, solidifying her status as a true leader. Before the NRLW era, she also represented Queensland in seven interstate clashes, making her debut as a 19-year-old back in 2009. Think about that longevity and dedication - it's truly remarkable!
Throughout her Origin career, Brigginshaw showcased her versatility by playing in various key positions, including halfback, lock, and five-eighth. She also led the Maroons to a historic victory in the inaugural three-match series back in 2024, a testament to her leadership and skill.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Lauren Brown, who replaced Brigginshaw at halfback in Origin III last year, emerges as a strong contender to partner Tarryn Aiken in the halves. The Women's State of Origin series kicks off in Newcastle on April 30th, while the NRLW season is scheduled to commence in July.
Brigginshaw had previously announced her intention to retire after the Broncos' 2026 campaign. At the time, she cited constant speculation surrounding her playing future as a factor in her decision. This highlights the pressures faced by elite athletes, both on and off the field.
So, what do you think? Is Brigginshaw making the right call, or is she leaving the Maroons too soon? Could this open the door for a new generation of Queensland stars to rise? And perhaps most importantly, how will the Maroons fare without their inspirational captain leading the charge? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
