Maroons coach steps down after five years in charge

Tobey Lewis

Maroons coach steps down after five years in charge image

Tahnee Norris has stepped down as the Queensland Maroons women's head coach after five seasons at the helm.

Norris confirmed she would not seek reappointment following the Maroons' 2-1 series loss to New South Wales this year.

"It’s been an absolute privilege to coach the Queensland State of Origin team at such an important time for women’s rugby league in our country," she said in a statement released by QRL on Thursday.

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In her tenure, she guided Queensland to landmark achievements, including the 2024 series win in the first-ever three-game women's Origin.

She kicked-off her run as coach back in 2021 with an 8-6 victory at Sunshine Coast Stadium. After a 2022 defeat, she reclaimed the shield in 2023 under a new two-game format.

The following year, her side prevailed 2-1 against the Blues in the historic expansion to three matches.

"I’m immensely proud of what this team has been able to achieve," she said.

"There’s so many big games and moments that I’ll cherish forever."

Beyond Origin, Norris also coached the Papua New Guinea Orchids in the 2024 Pacific Championships.

QRL chair Brian Canavan praised her legacy - leaving with a 50 per cent Origin winning record and a reputation for elevating the profile and professionalism of women's rugby league.

"More women and girls get to chase and realise their rugby league dreams because of the work Tahnee has undertaken over many years," he said.

The QRL will now begin recruitment for a new head coach, with an announcement expected in due course.

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Tobey Lewis

Tobey Lewis is a content producer for Sporting News Australia, specialising in rugby league and combat. In his spare time, he bemoans being the lone player from his high school rugby league team to not be an NRL star.