Experts' view: Who'll win women's Origin

After Queensland made the most of a home-ground advantage to win the 2020 women's Origin match, NSW have revenge on their minds.

With many of the game's best players gearing up for the annual fixture, the experts at NRL.com have their say on who'll be smiling at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Friday night.

Can Queensland halves Tarryn Aiken and Zahara Temara repeat their heroics of last year, or will NSW find a way to return the trophy to Sydney?

Experts' view - Who'll win Women's Origin

Steve Renouf (Maroons legend)

A combination of the experience of Ali Brigginshaw and the brilliance of Tamika Upton will prove the difference. Upton's a try-scoring machine. Maroons by 8

Brett Kimmorley (Former Test halfback)

NSW have already had a great hit out in the City v Country game. In a similar situation to the men's team, their outside backs are great runners of the ball and will prove the difference. Blues by 12

Jamie Soward (2010 premiership winner)

The NSW women will win if their forwards can break even and get the outside backs in position to be able to execute their skill. Sky Blues by 6

Robbie Farah (Wests Tigers great)

NSW have plenty of attacking weapons in the outside backs. If the forwards do their job, watch them fly. Sky Blues by 8 

Mary Konstantopoulos (Ladies Who League) 

It is always a tough game to tip, but I am predicting the upset for NSW. Maddie Studdon is playing her best footy this year alongside Corban Baxter and this established halves combination will be the key to the Blues' success. Sky Blues by 6

Brad Walter (NRL.com senior reporter)

NSW were unable to overcome disruptions on the eve of last year’s match but have chosen a squad brimming with experience and depth. That should be enough for the first away win in the Origin concept. Sky Blues by 2

Paul Suttor (NRL.com editor)

Tarryn Aiken won the Nellie Doherty Medal last year and she’ll do it again in 2021. She’s a wonderful player who NSW should be very worried about. Maroons by 6

Alicia Newton (NRL.com reporter)

Flip a coin on this one. NSW will be better than what they displayed last year but it’s going to be a tough ask to shut down the likes of Ali Brigginshaw and Tamika Upton. If they do, they should win in a tight one. Sky Blues by 4

Paul Zalunardo (NRL.com senior journalist)

If you tip the team Ali Brigginshaw is in you don’t often go wrong in women’s rugby league. A great leader (and player), she has the knack of always being in the right place at the right time. Expect that to continue. Maroons by 4

Martin Lenehan (NRL.com senior journalist)

Home ground advantage has been critical in the past three seasons and the Maroons will ride the passion of the Sunshine Coast Stadium crowd all the way to victory. Expect fullback Tamika Upton and skipper Ali Brigginshaw to shine. Maroons by 6

Zac Bailey (NRL.com reporter)

Queensland will continue the tradition of the home team winning. The Maroons have the game’s leading playmakers in Ali Brigginshaw and Tarryn Aiken who will lead the way, plus Queensland’s premiership-winning Burleigh connection. Maroons by 10

Chris Kennedy (NRL.com reporter)

This should be tight with each side having different strengths. The Blues backs are potent but I like the look of the Maroons at home with Ali Brigginshaw as a ball-playing lock supporting a skilful halves pairing. Maroons by 2

Troy Whittaker (NRL.com reporter)

Queensland will go back-to-back. Tipping Tarryn Aiken and Tamika Upton to reach another level after breakout seasons in 2020 while Ali Brigginshaw’s elite ball-playing through the middle will be crucial. Maroons by 10

Lone Scout (NRL.com Fantasy guru)

The presence of last year's standouts Tamika Upton and Tarryn Aiken in the spine alongside legendary playmaker Ali Brigginshaw at lock gives Queensland a real advantage. Maroons by 4

Kenny Scott (NRL.com podcaster)

Given their experience on the big stage, NSW will win. Five of the NSW squad have played in every Women’s Origin since its official rebrand in 2018 from the Interstate Challenge. Sky Blues by 12

Women’s Origin tickets are on sale via NRL Tickets. Supporters can watch the historic match from just $5 for juniors, $15 for adults and $35 for families

Alexa (Your Trusted Voice Assistant and Footy Fan)

It’s always close when the cockroaches and cane toads clash, but I think NSW have a stronger spine this year. If you have an Alexa-enabled device, try saying, “Alexa, who will win the State of Origin?” If you don’t have one yet, you can grab one here 

With the NRL Alexa skill, you can sign up for match reminders, catch the latest news and listen live to every match of the season, including State of Origin. Just say, “Alexa, open NRL”