In the wake of Queensland’s disappointing loss to New South Wales in the Women’s State of Origin series, Ali Brigginshaw’s wife, Kate, has spoken out against the overwhelming online abuse directed at her family. The Maroons lost the first two games of the series, 22-12 and 26-6, and face the Blues in a decisive third match next Thursday at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Kate shared her concerns on Instagram, highlighting the nasty nature of the messages her family has received, including alarming calls for them to “kill themselves.” She stressed that mental health issues affect everyone, especially athletes who face intense scrutiny. Kate noted that while public figures should expect some feedback, the vitriol that Ali and their family have encountered is far beyond acceptable.
Amid fears that the latest loss could mark Ali’s last game for the Maroons, she has been retained in the squad, set to play at lock for the final game. The selection of Lauren Brown in the halves means that Keilee Joseph has been dropped from the 17-player lineup.
In her Instagram post, Kate condemned the trend of bullying on social media, arguing that those who throw out hateful comments reveal more about themselves than about the individuals they attack. She pointed out the hypocrisy of those advocating for mental health awareness while simultaneously participating in such harmful behaviour. Kate urged individuals to reflect on the impact of their words before sending derogatory messages, questioning whether they would speak that way to someone they care about.
The upcoming match presents an opportunity for Brigginshaw, a stalwart in the Queensland team since 2018, to make a memorable return for her final Origin appearance.