Women’s State of Origin Game 1 betting tips – NSW v QLD

Women’s Origin I predictions & best bets

Blues v Maroons Game 1 preview

Women’s State of Origin enters a new era in 2023 with the first two-match series kicking off in Parramatta this Thursday night. In the event of each state winning one game, the series will be awarded to the highest-scoring state.

Further to the new series format, players from both states come into this series without any NRLW football under their belts. The Queensland and New South Wales first-grade competitions have been played and decided, with many overlapping formlines, but how will they stack up in Game 1?

The Blues have made several changes. Jaime Chapman is named to start on the wing following her brilliant form for the Broncos, Indigenous All-Stars and Jillaroos, while Jesse Southwell replaces Kirra Dibb in the halves. Kezie Apps will move into the front row, Olivia Kernick has been promoted from the interchange bench, and Kennedy Cherrington will start at lock.

The Maroons have also made several changes, most notably moving Ali Brigginshaw to the lock position with Zahara Temara to start at halfback. Chelsea Lenarduzzi has been replaced by Keilee Joseph in the front row, Destiny Brill has shifted from lock to dummy-half, and Shaniah Power replaces Tallisha Harden in the second row.

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Led by captain Isabelle Kelly, the Blues have the privilege of naming an all-Jillaroo backline including Emma Tonegato and Jessica Sergis. The Maroons are equally as talented through their spine positions and in the outside backs; however, changes in their forward pack may disrupt their cohesion and affect their ability to make inroads through the middle third against the Blues pack of Apps, Cherrington and Millie Boyle. NSW have a squad boasting incredible talent and power, which should ensure they cover the -6.5 line at $1.90 with Marantelli Bet.

Chapman will make her Origin debut for the Blues on the back of some incredible form over the last two years. Her height and strength are two of her greatest assets, with the athletic ability to score from anywhere on the field — as she has done for the Broncos and Indigenous All-Stars. Her opposing winger, Emily Bass, could struggle to contain Chapman, who is almost a certainty to score a try at any time during the match ($2.35).

Yasmin Clydsdale has made the move from the wing into the second row for the Blues after impressing for the Newcastle Knights. Her ability to carry the ball strongly and offload will be a huge asset to her side, as will her ability to break the defensive line and score tries. She is a brilliant value play to score a try at any time ($4.90).

Key matchup: Southwell v Aiken

Jesse Southwell vs Tarryn Aiken

The battle in the halves between Queensland’s Tarryn Aiken and NSW’s Jesse Southwell will be brilliant to watch with both women having similar styles of play.

Aiken is the Jillaroos’ five-eighth with a playing style likened to Cameron Munster. She has the speed, agility, and general football awareness to break the game open from anywhere in the ground.

Southwell’s greatest strength, as she showed for the Knights in the 2022 NRLW Grand Final, is her ability to play in and out of structure. Southwell can attack on her own as easily as she can get the ball to her teammates in prime attacking positions.

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