Images of NSW State of Origin star Millie Elliott celebrating the Blues’ historic series sweep with daughter Gigi has sparked online backlash, with some social media users accusing the rugby league star of using her baby as a prop.
The Sydney Roosters forward was photographed feeding eight-month-old Gigi a bottle on the field moments after New South Wales sealed a 12-4 victory over Queensland on Thursday night.
The result completed the first 3-0 clean sweep in Women’s State of Origin history and capped a remarkable return to elite rugby league for Elliott after taking time away from the game to become a mother.
But while many fans praised the image, others flooded social media with criticism.
One commenter wrote: ‘Yeah, you really needed to feed that kid right there. Cringy as f***’.
Another posted: ‘I understand being a Mum, but this is just being performative. Whoever was looking after the baby could’ve fed it’.
Millie Elliott sparked fierce debate after feeding daughter Gigi following NSW’s historic Origin sweep
Critics accused Elliott of using baby Gigi as a prop during celebrations on the Gold Coast
The four-time NRLW premiership winner returned this season after becoming a mother
Others were even harsher.
‘It was just for show…anyone in her fan base could have done it. Where’s hubby?’ one person wrote.
‘Looking for a medal is she,’ another added.
A third asked: ‘What? Her dad wasn’t capable of feeding her?’
The criticism stunned many supporters, who rushed to defend the four-time NRLW premiership winner.
‘All the males on here having to say their 5c as if they’ve ever played professional footy and carried a baby – let alone be fit all while their baby, is still a BABY!’ one supporter wrote.
‘That is a flex that Millie is still fit and able to play and be picked for Origin after giving birth not long ago. I know from experience that postpartum is hard.’
Another supporter argued the image sent an important message to women balancing family and career.
Some social media users labelled the touching post-match moment ‘performative’ and staged
Elliott thanked husband Adam, family and teammates for supporting her motherhood journey
‘For the people that are saying she is doing this for attention. What is wrong with that if she is,’ they wrote.
‘Isn’t that promoting to other women and girls that you don’t have to choose between sport/ career/ family? Good on her for doing it all! Why shouldn’t she show off what she is capable of doing.’
Others condemned what they viewed as widespread mum-shaming.
‘So many shocking comments, mostly by males, who have no idea what the post partum journey is like,’ one fan posted.
‘You are an amazing woman to be able to perform the way you do so soon after giving birth. Congratulations on your performance and your sweet baby!!! You are incredible.’
Another added: ‘She’s one tough woman and a great ambassador for women’s league ….. and it’s also great to see a softer side of her enjoying motherhood.’
The photo was taken after Elliott helped NSW complete a landmark series sweep over the Maroons in front of 11,816 fans on the Gold Coast.
The 28-year-old is one of the most accomplished players in women’s rugby league.
Many supporters condemned the backlash as mum-shaming and criticised the negative comments
Born Millie Boyle, she comes from a famous rugby league family and is a dual-code international who has represented both the Wallaroos and Jillaroos.
She has won NRLW premierships with the Brisbane Broncos, Newcastle Knights and Sydney Roosters, collecting four titles in total.
Elliott returned to the field this season after giving birth to Gigi, her first child with South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Adam Elliott.
Speaking after Thursday night’s win while holding her daughter, Elliott opened up about the challenges of juggling motherhood and professional sport.
‘It’s definitely got its challenges, but I’m lucky I’ve got such amazing support,’ she told Channel Nine.
‘Not only with my husband Adam. He’s at home, watching on the lounge. Say hi dad. But my mum and all of my teammates and staff and coach.
‘They’re so great. They let me bring Gigi to training and around the team room.
‘It’s so special to have her a part of it. Having their support has definitely made things a lot easier.’
