Sky Blues coach steps down after four-year Origin stint

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Sky Blues coach steps down after four-year Origin stint

Kylie Hilder has bowed out as NSW Women’s State of Origin coach after two successive series defeats to Queensland.

The 48-year-old’s four-year reign of the Sky Blues coincided with a surge in popularity for women’s rugby league and the expansion of the Origin format from one to three games.

After an 8-6 loss in 2021, Hilder claimed her sole Origin series victory as coach with a 20-14 win in Canberra in 2022, before losing the tied 2023 two-game series on points differential.

Following a disappointing 2-1 series loss to the Maroons in 2024 after winning game one and letting a 10-4 lead slip in game two, Hilder announced on Monday she would not seek to be re-appointed.

“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,” she 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.”

The growth in interest in the women’s game is exemplified in the NRL’s decision to bring Origin to the 45,500-seat Allianz Stadium for the first time in 2025.

Sydney last hosted a women’s Origin match at CommBank Stadium in 2023, when a crowd of 12,972 turned up, but record attendances in Brisbane, Townsville and Newcastle in 2024 encouraged the NRL to take the next step.

NSWRL chief executive David Trodden paid tribute to Hilder for her contribution to the Sky Blues in her seven games as coach and four as a player.

“History will recognise the pivotal contribution which Kylie has made to our game as a player, coach and pathways administrator at one of the most important times in the development of the women’s game,” Trodden said. “Our organisation owes her a great debt.”

Hilder will continue to be involved with NSWRL as female pathways manager.

Expressions of interest will now be sought for a new coach ahead of the 2025 series opener at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on May 1, Trodden said.

Samoa women’s national team coach Jamie Soward has previously expressed interest in the role after being sacked by St George Illawarra during the NRLW season.

Indigenous Women’s All Stars coach Jess Skinner and NSW U19s coach Kate Mullaly are also potential replacement options.

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