Queensland and Brisbane Broncos icon Ali Brigginshaw has officially called time on her illustrious State of Origin career, bringing the curtain down on one of the most decorated representative journeys in women’s rugby league history. The Maroons captain confirmed her immediate retirement from the Origin arena, choosing instead to devote all of her remaining energy to her final season at club level with the Brisbane Broncos.

Brigginshaw’s announcement marks the end of an era for Queensland, with the 36-year-old having been a constant presence since the inception of the NRLW-era State of Origin series in 2018. Renowned for her versatility, leadership and competitive fire, Brigginshaw leaves behind a legacy that is unlikely to be matched anytime soon.

Queensland’s most-capped State of Origin player of the NRLW era, Brigginshaw made the decision after what she described as an emotionally taxing off-season. While she had initially left the door open to another Origin campaign following the Maroons’ 2-1 series defeat in 2025, the realities of her final years in rugby league prompted deeper reflection.

“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.

The decision followed a challenging 2025 Origin series by her typically high standards. Despite her experience and status as captain, Brigginshaw was benched for the third and deciding match of the series, a moment that underscored the generational shift beginning to take shape within the Queensland side. It was a rare sight for fans accustomed to seeing her as the first name on the team sheet.

Yet her contribution to Queensland’s success stretches far beyond a single series. Brigginshaw has not missed a game for the Maroons since the NRLW era began in 2018, playing 13 matches and captaining the side in 12 of those appearances. Her durability, consistency and adaptability set her apart, with the utility starting matches at halfback, five-eighth and lock throughout her Origin career.

Before the NRLW era, Brigginshaw had already built a representative résumé, having played seven interstate matches for Queensland. Her Origin journey began back in 2009, when she debuted as a 19-year-old, highlighting just how long she has been a pillar of the women’s game in Australia.

Her pride in representing Queensland was evident as she reflected on what the Maroon jersey meant to her.

“I can't put into words what playing for Queensland meant to me. Pulling on the Maroon jersey made me feel bulletproof.

“Historic moments, amazing teams and great mates.”

Those historic moments include captaining Queensland to victory in the landmark inaugural three-match women’s State of Origin series in 2024 — a milestone season that elevated the women’s game to new heights and cemented Brigginshaw’s standing as one of its defining figures.

While her Origin chapter has closed, Brigginshaw’s club career still has one final act to play out. The veteran announced last year that she would retire from rugby league after the conclusion of the Broncos’ 2026 NRLW campaign. At the time, she spoke candidly about the toll of ongoing speculation surrounding her future, which played a significant role in shaping her retirement timeline.

Now, with Origin commitments no longer on her schedule, Brigginshaw is fully focused on helping Brisbane continue their dominance in the NRLW. The Broncos are the reigning premiers and will be chasing back-to-back titles, with Brigginshaw determined to finish her career on the highest possible note.

Her leadership remains invaluable within a Brisbane squad stacked with talent and ambition. Even as her playing days wind down, Brigginshaw’s influence on the field and in the locker room continues to shape the next generation of stars.

From a Queensland perspective, her departure creates both a challenge and an opportunity. With Brigginshaw stepping aside, the Maroons will enter a new phase of their evolution. Lauren Brown, who started at halfback in Brigginshaw’s place for Origin III in 2025, looms as a leading candidate to assume greater responsibility. Brown is expected to be a strong option to partner Tarryn Aiken in the halves when the Maroons return to the field in 2026.

The timing of Brigginshaw’s announcement provides clarity heading into the next Origin cycle. Game one of the 2026 Women’s State of Origin series will be played on April 30 in Newcastle, giving selectors a clear runway to build combinations and leadership structures without one of the game’s most influential figures.

The women’s rugby league calendar continues to grow, with the NRLW season set to kick off in July. Brigginshaw’s final campaign will be closely watched, not just by Broncos fans but by supporters across the sport who have followed her journey from teenage debutant to one of the most respected leaders the game has produced.

Her legacy is measured not only in caps and victories, but in the standards she set for professionalism, resilience and competitiveness. Brigginshaw has been central to the rise of women’s rugby league in Australia, bridging eras and inspiring countless young players to dream of pulling on the Maroon jersey themselves.

As Queensland prepares for life after its long-time captain, and Brisbane eyes another premiership push, Brigginshaw’s decision reflects both self-awareness and commitment. By stepping away from Origin, she ensures her final season will be spent giving everything to the club she has helped turn into a powerhouse.

While the Maroon jersey will no longer be part of her future, Ali Brigginshaw’s impact on State of Origin will endure long after the final whistle of her career sounds.