Tarryn Aiken Eyes Fresh Start Ahead of Origin Opener After Landmark 2024 Season
Queensland playmaker Tarryn Aiken is ready to leave her stellar 2024 season in the rearview mirror as she prepares to link up once again with veteran half Ali Brigginshaw in the State of Origin opener at Lang Park on Thursday night.
Aiken, 25, hit career highs last year, capturing the State of Origin series and the Pacific Cup for Australia, guiding the Sydney Roosters to NRLW premiership glory, claiming player of the match in the grand final, and capping it off with the prestigious Golden Boot as the world’s best international player. But ahead of the new Origin campaign, she insists it’s all about starting fresh.
“It’s been probably an unreal few years, especially last year,” Aiken said. “But I think the focus coming into this year is just wiping the slate clean… it’s a new year and a new series.”
The return of her former Brisbane captain Brigginshaw beside her in the halves offers a sense of familiarity and confidence. The duo has built a successful partnership across club, state, and national levels, with Brigginshaw’s steady game management and Aiken’s dynamic attacking instincts proving a potent combination.
“We know each other’s strengths well and I think we just let each other play to our strengths,” Aiken explained. “She organises and kicks us around the park and frees me and Meeks [Tamika Upton] up a lot to play our footy.”
With Upton at fullback and Lauren Brown at hooker, Queensland’s spine remains one of the most dangerous in the women’s game. But Aiken isn’t banking on last year’s 2-1 Origin triumph to carry them this time around.
The Maroons have also injected fresh talent into their squad, with four debutants — Rory Owen, Jasmine Peters, Jada Ferguson, and Tavarna Papalii — joining the fold. Aiken believes their arrival brings renewed energy to the side.
“It’s really exciting. The young girls bring a lot of energy to the group… it’s just about getting around them and making sure they’re ready.”
As the Origin opener looms, Aiken’s focus remains firmly on the present, with her eyes set on helping Queensland take the first step in a new series and a new chapter.
