The Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the decision by the Queensland Rugby League to formally identify the team as the Maroons was important for equality in women’s sport.

“Our men’s teams have donned the name and the mighty Maroons jersey for years,” Palaszczuk said.

“This decision to officially adopt the name for both men’s and women’s state teams clearly recognises that the women’s competition is keenly followed and fought with equal passion.

“Queenslanders know the dedication and honour that goes with representing our state, and appropriately now the women’s team officially share the Maroon identity.”

The side was previously just been known as the Harvey Norman Queensland Women's team.

Last year marked the inaugural Women's State of Origin with 6,824 passionate fans watching the NSW Blues take a 16-10 victory at North Sydney Oval.

It was a special moment as the one-off game had previously been titled the Interstate Challenge and it was something no one, including the players understood. 

Queensland Rugby League Managing Director Robert Moore said it was an exciting time to be involved in women’s rugby league.

“Last year we witnessed a number of ground-breaking firsts for female participation with the staging of the Harvey Norman National Championships, Holden Women’s Premiership and of course, the historic Origin clash in Sydney,” he said.

“These were all significant events and it is testament to the work and commitment of our female rugby league pioneers, as well as the game’s current leaders who share this passion."

The 2019 State of Origin will be played in Sydney on June 21.