When the whistle blew on the early days of State of Origin Touch Football, two rising stars were making their mark in sky blue: Giselle Martin and, just one year later, Jody English. Now, nearly three decades on, both Hall of Famers are back representing New South Wales in the Women’s 50s division.
Still Sky Blue – Then and Now
Giselle was part of the inaugural Origin series in 1995, when Touch Football took a bold step forward — with national TV coverage, fireworks, Liptonice sponsorship, and the launch of the six-a-side format. “It was such an exciting time,” she recalls. “You could feel the buzz. We were on the big stage.”
Jody joined the Origin legacy in 1996 and remembers how transformative that era was. Having started playing at just 12 — in adult competitions due to limited junior opportunities — she saw Origin as a turning point for the sport. “It was exciting to be involved in something so new,” she says. “That match marked the end of the Nationals era and the beginning of something bigger.”
Now taking the field in the Women’s 50s, both women reflect on the pride of pulling on the sky-blue jersey once again.
“I’m very proud and honoured to be selected,” says Jody. “We should never take it for granted. Life throws curve balls, and you never know when it’ll be your last game.”
Giselle agrees. Though now based in Queensland, her loyalty to New South Wales has never wavered. “Even living across the border, I’ve always taken pride in wearing the NSW jersey,” she says. “I never thought I’d get the chance to wear it again, but the stars aligned.”
Friendship That Endures
For both, this Origin isn’t just about competing — it’s about shared history. “One of the biggest reasons I laced up the boots again was to play with Jody one last time,” says Giselle. “We debuted together in the early years of Origin… and now we’re wrapping up our journey together too. Pretty special, right?”
They credit mentors and teammates like Karen Smith, Meg Sailsbury, Gai Taylor, and Louise McCourt for shaping their journeys. “These weren’t just teammates,” Jody reflects. “They were my guides.”
What’s Changed — and What Hasn’t
Over 30 years, the game has evolved dramatically. “The speed and structure are on another level now,” says Jody. “Back then, it was much more instinctive.”
“And no fancy gear either,” adds Giselle. “We didn’t have compression boots or recovery areas. We stretched, prayed, and hoped for the best. And those bodysuits? Let’s just say they’re not missed.”
Giving Back
Jody has remained active through coaching and mentoring, while Giselle and her husband started a junior competition on the Sunshine Coast. “Touch has given us so much — we’ve always wanted to give back,” Giselle says.
For the Next Generation
Their advice for the next generation of Blues?
Work hard.
Back yourself.
Respect the jersey.
And appreciate every single moment.
“Play for your team,” says Giselle. “And never forget, it could be your last game.”
Still Here. Still Sky Blue. Still Inspiring.
As NSW Touch celebrates 30 years of State of Origin, the return of Jody English and Giselle Martin reminds us what this sport is truly about — passion, legacy, and connection.
From fireworks and bodysuits to mentoring and milestones, they’ve seen it all. And now, they lace up once more — not just to compete, but to inspire the future of sky blue.
