A new NSW women’s Origin coach will be charged with preventing a Queensland threepeat after incumbent Kylie Hilder ended her four-year tenure coaching the Sky Blues.
Back-to-back series losses as the women’s Origin contest expanded to a historic three-game series this year have prompted Hilder to walk away from the role she held since 2021.
The 48-year-old had been appointed on a 12-month contract each season but faced mounting pressure following the Maroons emphatic 22-6 series-deciding win in July, which came after NSW had won the series opener at Suncorp Stadium.
Hilder confirmed on Monday that she would not reapply for the position, with the NSWRL to begin canvassing for a replacement in 2025.
“I felt it was time for a change for the team, but I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and privilege of coaching the NSW women’s Origin team over the past four years and I take a lot of pride in the contribution I have been able to make in that short time,” Hilder said.
“To see women’s Origin grow from one game when I started coaching to a three-game series this year is a monumental achievement for the game and speaks volumes about the incredible talent pool in the women’s ranks.
“It also says a lot about the work that is being done at NSWRL in our pathways programs to develop genuine player depth at all levels, preparing them for NRLW and Origin honours.”
Sky Blues coach Kylie Hilder has ended her Origin tenure.Credit: Getty Images
Ex-Dragons NRLW coach and former Blues five-eighth Jamie Soward has already expressed interest in the role, having previously served as Hilder’s assistant in 2022. The likes of Warriors NRLW coach Ronnie Griffiths and Tigers mentor Brett Kimmorley have also been touted as potential candidates.
The 2025 women’s Origin series is set to be played on its biggest stage yet following record TV ratings and crowd attendances this season, with the series to open Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday, May 1.
The Sky Blues will then host the final two games of the series, with the 45,000-capacity Allianz Stadium hosting its first women’s Origin game on May 15 before the third match in Newcastle two weeks later.
Hilder was involved in the NSWRL’s annual post-Origin review of this year’s campaign, which examined various aspects of the Sky Blues camp and interviewed players and staff involved in the Origin set-up.
She will remain on the NSWRL books in a pathways manager role.
The NSWRL board will meet later this week as discussions around Michael Maguire’s 2025 replacement continue, with Roosters assistant Matt King and former Blues mentor Laurie Daley are considered leading contenders to take charge.
