Blues lose key forward to injury, debutant steps in

Sydney Roosters Prop Rima Butler Set for NSW Blues Debut

Sydney Roosters prop Rima Butler is set to make her debut for the NSW Blues in the upcoming Women’s State of Origin series. This comes after Tiana Penitani Gray was ruled out due to a knee injury sustained during the first match. Penitani Gray played the entire game in Origin I, but coach John Strange raised concerns about her knee shortly after the match.

“She injured her knee about 25 minutes into the game,” Strange said. “She didn’t want to come off. We’re going to have to get her scanned.”

In response to this injury, Kezie Apps will move from the bench to the starting side, while Hannah Southwell has been included in the squad. Southwell will join her sister Jesse in the team and is part of the extended group.

Hannah Southwell hasn’t played for NSW since 2022 when the team secured a 20-14 victory. Her return to the squad marks a significant moment for the Blues as they prepare for the next matches.

Another player facing injury concerns is Isabelle Kelly, who suffered an ankle injury during Origin I. The incident occurred after a tackle from Shenae Ciesiolka, which Strange described as “looked like a hip-drop.” Despite the injury, Kelly had her ankle heavily taped and expressed confidence that it would be fine.

The NSW Blues women emerged victorious in the first match with an 11-6 win against Queensland at McDonald Jones Stadium. They now face the challenge of retaining the shield as they travel to enemy territory for the second game.

Game two will take place at Suncorp Stadium, while the third and final match is scheduled for Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast. Fans can watch the 2026 Women’s State of Origin series live and free on Nine and 9Now.

Last year, the Blues won the series 2-1, although they lost the final match, missing out on a clean sweep. This year’s competition promises to be just as intense.