Match Centre

Women's Origin: PREVIEW: 2019 Women's State of Origin

After the success of last year's inaugural women's State of Origin, another bumper crowd is expected as New South Wales defend the shield against Queensland at North Sydney Oval.

In the men's competition, this year was a chance for the Blues to well and truly put a halt to the Maroons' recent dominance.

And while the Origin format is only new to the women's game, the pair of states have actual been playing an annual interstate match since 1999.

One which the Queenslanders won for 17 years straight.

But in 2016 the Blues broke through for their first-ever win. And they have held bragging rights ever since.

Centre Isabelle Kelly played a big role in last year's 16-10 triumph, managing two tries, just as many line breaks and over 120 running metres.

Kelly's teammate Taleena Simon, who powered the Roosters into last year's grand final with a four-try rout against the Dragons, will be missing due to pregnancy.

She is joined by also expectant teammates Sam Bremner and Nakia Davis-Welsh.

While Blues coach Andrew Patmore has opted for less experience, the Queenslanders have stuck solid in the hope that some veterans can help lay the platform for victory early.

Both Stephanie Hancock (36 years old) and Heather Ballinger (37 years old) have been named in what could be their final appearance for the Maroons before retiring.

If the pair are able to lead from the front early it could help Queensland in dominating field position early and limiting New South Wales' strike weapons like Kelly out wide.

They are also boosted by familiarity in the squad, with 10 Broncos from last year's premiership-winning squad included while the Blues have eight debutants and 11 changes.

Last meeting: Origin 2018 - NSW 16 QLD 10

New South Wales took home the shield with a 16-10 win in front of crowd of 6,824 spectators in last year's inaugural Women's Origin match.

Who to watch: The battle between the two number nines is an interesting one. 

Kylie Hilder runs out in the hooking role for the Blues at 42 years of age in a great show of strength. She was unfortunately unable to play in last year's ground-breaking game after copping a knee injury. But she has been rewarded with selection this time around and will be determined to take full advantage of the opportunity.

She comes up against Brittany Breayley - last year's Dally M women's player of the year. Her numbers only prove her effectiveness from dummy-half, with the 28-year old recording a try, four try-assists, seven tackle busts and an average of 72 running metres a game. A constant threat through the middle, it will be interesting to see how the Blues try nullify her impact. 

The favourite: New South Wales are slight favourites. 

My tip: While the Blues have had the upper hand in recent years, Queensland have the more settled squad this year and may just work better together as a team. Queensland by 6.