Women’s Rugby League Comebacks: Stars Shine in State of Origin Return

Two of New South Wales’ brightest rugby league talents will make their State of Origin debuts on Thursday night in Newcastle, each overcoming personal struggles to earn their maiden Blues jerseys. Teagan Berry and Millie Elliott, both 23 and 27 years old respectively, have taken vastly different paths to the Origin arena, but their stories share a common theme of resilience and determination.

Millie Elliott’s postpartum return

Millie Elliott, a prop for the St George Illawarra Dragons, will return to rugby league after an 18-month hiatus following the birth of her child. Her comeback is nothing short of remarkable, as she steps straight into the high-pressure environment of State of Origin without having played a competitive match since her last appearance in the NRLW in 2024. Elliott’s return was confirmed when NSW coach John Strange named her in the extended squad for Game I against Queensland, a decision that has drawn widespread attention given the physical demands of the Origin stage.

Elliott’s journey back to the field has been described as “one of the most rapid postpartum returns in rugby league history,” according to Australian Broadcasting Corporation. The 27-year-old admitted that balancing motherhood with the demands of professional sport was a challenge, but her passion for the game and the support of her family kept her motivated. “I didn’t think I’d be back this soon, but when the opportunity came, I knew I had to take it,” Elliott said in an interview with Fox Sports. “It’s been a whirlwind, but I’m ready.”

Her inclusion in the squad is a testament to her physical conditioning and mental toughness. Elliott, who has previously represented NSW in junior pathways, will bring much-needed experience to the Blues’ forward pack. Her return also highlights the growing support structures within the NRLW for players navigating parenthood and professional careers.

Teagan Berry’s emotional turnaround

For Teagan Berry, the road to Origin has been marked by personal turmoil. The 23-year-old fullback, who plays alongside Elliott at the Dragons, revealed that she had considered walking away from rugby league entirely at the end of the 2025 season. Berry, who became the first player to score 30 tries in the NRLW, admitted that she had fallen out of love with the game, describing herself as being in a “dark place” at the start of the year.

“Towards the end of last season, I honestly didn’t enjoy footy that much,” Berry told NRL.com. “I was actually thinking about walking away from the game, just because I wasn’t enjoying it. I didn’t find it fun coming to training and doing my own training, and it took a lot from my family and my partner to really change that for me.” Her partner and family played a pivotal role in her decision to persevere, with Berry crediting them for helping her rediscover her passion for the sport.

Berry’s performances in a six-week training block earlier this year caught the attention of NSW selectors. Despite being a standout in the NSW Under-18s and a consistent performer for the Dragons, she had been overlooked for senior Origin selection due to the depth of talent in the Blues’ backline. However, her hard work and renewed mindset earned her a spot on the interchange bench for Game I. “Leading into this, I feel like I worked very hard,” Berry said. “I’ve been disappointed the last couple of years, and I feel like I’ve used that as motivation.”

What to expect in Game I

The NSW Women’s team, announced by the NSWRL, will take on Queensland at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on April 30. The Blues are looking to build on their strong performances in recent seasons, with Berry and Elliott adding fresh energy to a squad already stacked with talent. Berry will wear the No. 17 jersey, while Elliott is expected to feature prominently in the forward pack.

NSW coach John Strange has emphasized the importance of adaptability in his selections, particularly with players like Elliott returning from extended breaks and Berry making her debut. “Both Teagan and Millie have shown incredible resilience to get to this point,” Strange said in a statement released by the NSWRL. “Their stories are inspirational, and we’re confident they’ll bring that same determination to the field on Thursday.”

The match will be a significant test for both players, particularly Elliott, who will face the physicality of Origin football for the first time since becoming a mother. For Berry, it’s an opportunity to prove that her comeback is more than just a fleeting moment of form. The result could also have implications for the NRLW season, with both players looking to use Origin as a springboard for their club campaigns.

The bigger picture for NRLW

The inclusion of Elliott and Berry in the Origin squad reflects the evolving landscape of the NRLW, where players are increasingly balancing professional careers with personal milestones such as parenthood. Elliott’s return is particularly notable, as it underscores the league’s efforts to support players through life changes. The NRL has introduced policies aimed at accommodating mothers, including flexible training schedules and childcare support, which have made it possible for players like Elliott to continue their careers.

For Berry, her debut serves as a reminder of the mental health challenges faced by athletes, even those at the top of their game. Her openness about her struggles has resonated with fans and fellow players, sparking conversations about the pressures of professional sport. “It’s important to talk about these things,” Berry said. “I hope my story can help someone else who might be going through something similar.”

As the NRLW continues to grow, stories like those of Elliott and Berry highlight the league’s ability to inspire and adapt. Their journeys—one marked by physical recovery and the other by emotional resilience—demonstrate the depth of talent and character within the women’s game. Thursday’s match in Newcastle will not only be a clash between two rugby league powerhouses but also a celebration of the personal triumphs that have brought these players to the Origin stage.