Latest news with #TahneeNorris
Yahoo
10-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NRL fans react after Allana Ferguson backs Greg Inglis to land vacant coaching job
NRL fans are backing Allana Ferguson's call for Greg Inglis to become the next coach of the Queensland women's State of Origin team. The Maroons are on the hunt for a new women's coach after long-time mentor Tahnee Norris elected not to seek a renewal of her contract. Norris was Queensland coach for five years, winning the first-ever three-match series in the women's event in 2024. She won the women's shield in 2021 and 2023, but lost in 2022 and 2025. NSW won this year's series 2-1, but overall she claimed three of the five series as coach. The NRL Hall of Famer dropped somewhat of a bombshell last week when she stepped down from the role, describing it as an "absolute privilege" to coach Queensland. The Maroons might not have to look far for Norris' replacement, with assistant coaches Dave Elliott and Meg Ward both held in high regard by the Queensland Rugby League. And Inglis is also an option after working on Norris' staff for the past two years. The Melbourne Storm and South Sydney legend played 32 Origin games for Queensland, and has transitioned into coaching in the women's game. The 38-year-old worked as an assistant under Norris in 2024, and was also a support staffer in 2025. This year he joined the Wests Tigers as a specialist mentor for the NRLW team's outside backs. Allana Ferguson and Mahalia Murphy back Greg Inglis Speaking on Channel 9 on Saturday, NRLW great Ferguson said Inglis would be her choice to succeed Norris. The former NSW and Jillaroos player said she would "love to see" GI as the Maroons coach. "There are some exciting names that have been thrown into the mix," she said. "He is a legend of the game, but also what I truly believe is so important in the women's game is someone who genuinely cares. Greg Inglis is someone who has cared about the women's game for a very long time, before it was front and centre and had this media attraction. I think it would be a great appointment and a strong candidate for Queensland." Parramatta captain Mahalia Murphy, who works with Inglis at the Goanna Academy, also supported the idea. "He would be great," Murphy said. "He has so much knowledge and experience. He is so passionate and cares about the game. He is one of my favourite people and I've always looked up to him." RELATED: Raiders rocked as young Canberra star signs with Penrith Panthers Jett Cleary could be handed NRL debut in stunning development Nathan Cross puts hand up for Queensland Origin job Women's legend Ruan Sims floated Dragons NRLW coach Nathan Cross as another option. "I've got definite interest in it, I've had a few players reach out which is nice," Cross said on Saturday. "I've got a good relationship with people there, I was with QRL for a while. I've coached 90 percent of the girls except for the new ones who came in this year. I'm not totally sure what QRL will do." Ward is a former Maroons and Jillaroos player on the rise in the coaching world, mentoring the Norths Devils women's team that plays in the statewide competition. Last year Elliott coached the Norths Devils men's side to premiership success in the Queensland Cup and then in the NRL State Championship final. Crucially, Maroons legend and QRL board member Cooper Cronk is believed to be on the panel that will select the next women's coach. Cronk and Inglis won premierships at the Melbourne Storm together, and both represented Queensland during their historic run of eight-straight series victories. On social media, NRL fans agreed they'd love to see Inglis leading his state. with AAP
The Advertiser
07-08-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Maroons seek new coach after Norris bids farewell
The tenure of Queensland head coach Tahnee Norris has come to an end after she elected not to seek a renewal of her contract. Norris coached the Maroons women's side for five years, highlighted by helming the 2-1 State of Origin series win in 2024 in what was the first three-match series for the female game. As coach the NRL Hall of Fame inductee won the one-off Origin clash in 2021 and lost in 2022 before taking the trophy on for and against in 2023 in a two-match series that was drawn 1-all. NSW won this year's series 2-1 but overall Norris claimed three of the five series where she was coach. "It's been an absolute privilege to coach the Queensland State of Origin team at such an important time for women's rugby league in our country," Norris said. "While I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity, I feel that after five years in charge it is the right time for a change for the team and myself personally. "I'm immensely proud of what this team has been able to achieve." The Maroons may not have to look too far for her replacement with Norris's assistants Dave Elliott and Meg Ward both held in high regard by the Queensland Rugby League. Ward, a former Maroons and Australia player, is an energetic coach on the rise and is mentor of the Norths Devils women's team that plays in the statewide competition. Last year Elliott coached the Norths Devils men's side to premiership success in the Queensland Cup and then in the NRL State Championship final. AAP understands that Maroons legend and QRL board member Cooper Cronk is slated to be on the panel that selects the next women's coach. Norris, who won multiple premierships with the Burleigh Bears before her appointment as Maroons mentor in 2021, is a legend of the game as a player and coach. Her playing career stretched over 15 years where she played for Australia, NSW and Queensland. QRL chairman Brian Canavan said her contribution to the women's Origin program and female pathways was immense. "More women and girls get to chase and realise their rugby league dreams because of the work Tahnee has undertaken over many years, " Canavan said. The tenure of Queensland head coach Tahnee Norris has come to an end after she elected not to seek a renewal of her contract. Norris coached the Maroons women's side for five years, highlighted by helming the 2-1 State of Origin series win in 2024 in what was the first three-match series for the female game. As coach the NRL Hall of Fame inductee won the one-off Origin clash in 2021 and lost in 2022 before taking the trophy on for and against in 2023 in a two-match series that was drawn 1-all. NSW won this year's series 2-1 but overall Norris claimed three of the five series where she was coach. "It's been an absolute privilege to coach the Queensland State of Origin team at such an important time for women's rugby league in our country," Norris said. "While I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity, I feel that after five years in charge it is the right time for a change for the team and myself personally. "I'm immensely proud of what this team has been able to achieve." The Maroons may not have to look too far for her replacement with Norris's assistants Dave Elliott and Meg Ward both held in high regard by the Queensland Rugby League. Ward, a former Maroons and Australia player, is an energetic coach on the rise and is mentor of the Norths Devils women's team that plays in the statewide competition. Last year Elliott coached the Norths Devils men's side to premiership success in the Queensland Cup and then in the NRL State Championship final. AAP understands that Maroons legend and QRL board member Cooper Cronk is slated to be on the panel that selects the next women's coach. Norris, who won multiple premierships with the Burleigh Bears before her appointment as Maroons mentor in 2021, is a legend of the game as a player and coach. Her playing career stretched over 15 years where she played for Australia, NSW and Queensland. QRL chairman Brian Canavan said her contribution to the women's Origin program and female pathways was immense. "More women and girls get to chase and realise their rugby league dreams because of the work Tahnee has undertaken over many years, " Canavan said. The tenure of Queensland head coach Tahnee Norris has come to an end after she elected not to seek a renewal of her contract. Norris coached the Maroons women's side for five years, highlighted by helming the 2-1 State of Origin series win in 2024 in what was the first three-match series for the female game. As coach the NRL Hall of Fame inductee won the one-off Origin clash in 2021 and lost in 2022 before taking the trophy on for and against in 2023 in a two-match series that was drawn 1-all. NSW won this year's series 2-1 but overall Norris claimed three of the five series where she was coach. "It's been an absolute privilege to coach the Queensland State of Origin team at such an important time for women's rugby league in our country," Norris said. "While I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity, I feel that after five years in charge it is the right time for a change for the team and myself personally. "I'm immensely proud of what this team has been able to achieve." The Maroons may not have to look too far for her replacement with Norris's assistants Dave Elliott and Meg Ward both held in high regard by the Queensland Rugby League. Ward, a former Maroons and Australia player, is an energetic coach on the rise and is mentor of the Norths Devils women's team that plays in the statewide competition. Last year Elliott coached the Norths Devils men's side to premiership success in the Queensland Cup and then in the NRL State Championship final. AAP understands that Maroons legend and QRL board member Cooper Cronk is slated to be on the panel that selects the next women's coach. Norris, who won multiple premierships with the Burleigh Bears before her appointment as Maroons mentor in 2021, is a legend of the game as a player and coach. Her playing career stretched over 15 years where she played for Australia, NSW and Queensland. QRL chairman Brian Canavan said her contribution to the women's Origin program and female pathways was immense. "More women and girls get to chase and realise their rugby league dreams because of the work Tahnee has undertaken over many years, " Canavan said.
ABC News
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Women's State of Origin III quick hits: Brigginshaw not retiring, Kelly emotional over try blunder
Ali Brigginshaw has no plans to retire, Isabelle Kelly gets emotional about her first-half blunder, and NSW unearths an Origin heel. Here are five quick hits from the conclusion to the Women's State of Origin series. Ali Brigginshaw became the target of some justified criticism after struggling as Queensland lost the first two games of this year's State of Origin series. Unfortunately, along with that came horrible, inexcusable vitriol on social media, with her wife revealing this week they had been told to "kill themselves". It came as coach Tahnee Norris made a shrewd reshuffle in an attempt to spark the Maroons and save some state pride. Lauren Brown and Tarryn Aiken formed a more dynamic attacking halves pairing in Game III, while Brigginshaw came on after the 15-minute mark and stayed for the duration, orchestrating from the middle of the field as a dummy half and link option at lock. After the game ended a "really tough" week, 35-year-old Brigginshaw was adamant she had no plans to retire. "Tonight I remembered why I play footy. I love it and I got to do that again tonight," she said. "I do want to keep playing on. I think people just look at your age and think that's enough. I still love my footy. "I'm not saying people have to pick me just because I've been here before. I'm really proud to represent Queensland. I do anything, I play any position I'm asked." Do you have a story idea about women in sport? Email us abcsport5050@ Win or lose, the Newcastle fans would get to see their team lift the shield on Thursday night, so the vibes were high in the lead-up to kick-off. But immediately the fans, many of whom were still yet to find their seats, were left rubbing their eyes as the Maroons offered up one of the worst kick-offs you'll ever see. Trying to be unorthodox to unsettle the rampant Blues, they tried to go short (and did) but barely kicked the ball 5 metres forward before it skidded over the sideline. Then, with NSW trying to recover after Chelsea Lenarduzzi's 65th-minute crashball try, Jesse Southwell tried a similar kick and actually nailed it. Right winger Jaime Chapman appeared to wait just long enough before grabbing the ball just after it crossed the red 40m line. But everyone, including the Blues, stopped in their tracks, forgetting the golden rule: Play to the whistle. Eventually, the whistle came from Belinda Sharpe and the penalty was blown, even if it didn't seem right. Isabelle Kelly's botched try in the 21st minute felt like a bit of a funny sideshow. She dove in untouched after a lovely left-side shift and the try was awarded, but before Southwell could take the conversion, referee Sharpe blew the whistle for a bunker review. It did look very easy? Was there an obstruction in the lead-up? Had a Queenslander hit her as she scored and we were looking at an eight-point try? No. As it turned out, she had been held up. By herself. The ball had never managed to make contact with the ground through her own right forearm. A pedantic, if technically correct, implementation of the rule we could all share a derisive chuckle about in a dead rubber, but not Kelly. With the margin ultimately only four points, the NSW captain couldn't get through her explanation of the event even after lifting the shield. "I'm obviously someone that gets quite disappointed when I let my team down, it makes me a bit emotional, like right now. Sorry," Kelly told reporters before choking back tears and taking a minute to compose herself as coach John Strange hailed his skipper as "an inspiration" to her teammates, the next generation and Strange himself. It was a reminder of how much this series and this game means to Kelly and her ilk. ABC Sport is live blogging every round of the AFL and NRL seasons in 2025. Origin loves its villains, and the Blues might just have one in Jayme Fressard. The Roosters winger was given the nod on the left flank of this formidable Blues backline this season and didn't disappoint, with four tries in her first series. But the fiery 27-year-old also added a bit of mongrel in Game III, getting in the face of every Maroons player who dared to challenge her, including but not limited to Sienna Lofipo, Shenae Ciesiolka and Lauren Brown. As she left the field at half-time, like the best heels, she acted like she was an innocent victim in all this and it was the Queenslanders who started it all. "I feel like that's all they've got, just try to get us angry, so keep going," Fressard told Nine. As NSW searched desperately for a fissure in Queensland's 12-woman defensive line after the siren, it was fitting that it was the veteran Brigginshaw who perfectly read and pinched Yasmin Clydsdale's pass. She could go to ground and her teammates would swarm her in joy. Instead, she kept running for 20 metres. OK, sure, you can't pass up a shot at a runaway try. But she was mowed down and then … she offloaded. Peculiar. Emily Bass caught the ball on the right wing. Surely she would just hoof it over the sideline, right? Nope. She jinked in-field and, perhaps reading from her skipper's songbook, she passed too. Debutant Georgia Hannaway had the misfortune of being the support player in position and was suitably stunned to receive the pass under pressure and couldn't handle, giving the ball back to the Blues right on halfway. "They're in front, what are they doing?" Phil Gould cried from the Nine commentary box. Fortunately for the Maroons, Tarryn Aiken and Julia Robinson arrived on the scene to tackle NSW fullback Abbi Church and officially end the match. It was like the Maroons had somehow pulled off the Great Escape, but hung around to do some sick wheelies just in front of the guard tower, and it almost cost them dearly.
News.com.au
29-05-2025
- General
- News.com.au
'NEED to be playing NRLW!'
State of Origin: Tahnee Norris and Ali Brigginshaw addresses their concerns about the current NRLW & Women's State of Origin schedule.
The Guardian
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Late try helps Maroons save face in Game 3 of women's Origin series
Queensland salvaged pride in the Women's State of Origin series by claiming the third contest 18-14 thanks to a second-half comeback in Newcastle that prevented the Blues from securing a first clean sweep in the three-match series. Powerful Maroons prop Chelsea Lenarduzzi crashed over from an Ali Brigginshaw pass with four minutes to go, taking three Blues defenders with her, to put Queensland into the lead and spoil the Blues' party. 'Ali actually gave me a bit of a look, and I knew what she meant,' Lenarduzzi said. 'It's one of my favourite plays, and worked at the right time.' The pair combined for the deciding try, but their impact was also central from the start of Thursday's improved Queensland performance. Maroons coach Tahnee Norris sent shock waves through the sport before kick-off when she named Brigginshaw – captain and Jillaroos great – on the bench and promoted Lenarduzzi to the starting lineup. The burly prop played the first ten minutes and helped set the tone after the Maroons suffered 32-12 and 26-6 defeats earlier in the series. Aided by the physicality of Lenarduzzi – who was not selected for the first game and played off the bench in the second – Queensland offered early punch, and were rewarded with a seventh minute try to Makenzie Weale. 'An Origin is still an Origin,' Lenarduzzi said afterwards. 'You represent yourself, your state, and this group is really cool, we've had a really good time in camp, and we've obviously been really disappointed the last couple of games, so we needed a show we were capable of.' Although NSW had already secured the shield, another strong crowd of 21,912 turned out in Newcastle, consolidating the city's status as the home of women's rugby league. They came despite a forecast of rain that turned into a downpour at the final whistle. And they were treated to a mix of the brilliant and the bizarre in a tight contest. The game's strangest moment came midway through the first half, when Blues captain Isabelle Kelly crossed untouched for what seemed to be a try to put her side on the board. Kelly slid into the in-goal, but skidded across the turf on her ball-carrying arm without completing the grounding. The mistake was an embarrassment for one of the game's most accomplished players, who shook her head as she watched the replay and the bunker disallowed the try. It was the standout in a series of wild sequences in the first half, which also included two more disallowed tries – both would-be try-scorers adjudged out of play by millimetres – a fiery tussle between Queensland winger Julia Robinson and her opposite number Jaime Chapman, and one of the season's best try-saving tackles. Maroons centre Emily Bass grabbed a bouncing ball a metre out from the Blues try line with no one in front of her, but NSW fullback Abbi Church managed to race in and twist her opponent to prevent the grounding. It was a piece of skill befitting the Origin stage, as was the 20m cut-out pass by Jesse Southwell to set up the Blues' second try. The Blues had all the momentum in the second half when they raced to a 14-6 lead with 20 minutes to go. Interchange hooker Jocelyn Kelleher leaped out from dummy half and away from the clutches of Brigginshaw to score what appeared to be the decisive four-pointer. Sign up to Australia Sport Get a daily roundup of the latest sports news, features and comment from our Australian sports desk after newsletter promotion But 35-year-old Brigginshaw would have the last laugh. Five minutes later five-eighth Tarryn Aiken grubbered for Romy Teitzel to score, and then the captain sent Lenarduzzi over to curb celebrations in the Hunter. 'A bit of a disappointing end to the game three, but we've still got to keep our spirits high,' Church said. 'We're still going to get to lift the shield, we would have liked to get that clean sweep, but it wasn't meant to be today.' Maroons forward Jess Elliston ran for 143m was named player of the match, and Blues' lock Olivia Kernick claimed the award for player of the series.
