'How the hell?' How Millie Elliott bounced straight back into Origin post-baby
Millie Elliott has made a rapid return to rugby league, playing State of Origin I for New South Wales just seven-and-a-half months after giving birth to her daughter Gigi. Despite not having played in 18 months and skipping a gradual comeback through lower grades, Elliott was selected straight into the Blues' defending champion squad. She credits strong support systems, including her mother helping with childcare and off-season training, for enabling her return. Elliott acknowledges the mental and physical challenges of returning postpartum but says playing elite rugby league remains a core part of her identity.
- ▪Millie Elliott returned to play State of Origin I for New South Wales seven-and-a-half months after giving birth to her daughter, Gigi.
- ▪She had not played rugby league in 18 months and skipped lower-grade matches before rejoining the top-level Origin team.
- ▪Elliott received support from her mother, who moved in to help care for her baby during the season.
- ▪She participated in the Nines competition in Vegas earlier in the year as part of her preparation for Origin.
- ▪Elliott says returning post-baby was mentally challenging but emphasizes that sport remains a vital part of who she is.
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Thu, 2 July19:45--→Sat, 4 July12:45--→Sat, 4 July15:15--→Sat, 4 July17:15--→Sun, 5 July11:50--→Sun, 5 July15:45--→ NRLW Score Centre Millie Elliott returns after having a baby to line up for NSW in State of Origin Game ISBy Simon SmaleTopic:Rugby League5h ago5 hours agoTue 28 Apr 2026 at 4:31amAdam Elliott and Millie Elliott had Gigi in September. (Supplied: Millie Elliott)abc.net.au/news/millie-elliott-rugby-league-post-baby-state-of-origin-return/106615386Link copiedShareShare articleWhen prop Millie Elliott runs out for the Blues in State of Origin I in Newcastle on Thursday, she'll have a fresh new supporter in the stands.Baby Gigi is seven-and-a-half months old and will be there, watching her mum take to the field in New South Wales colours for what is her first match of rugby league…
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