The NRL has hit back at critics of a photo of two rugby league players from rival teams kissing after the end of the women's inaugural State of Origin match on Friday night.

The photo captured an embrace between NSW player Vanessa Foliaki and Queenslander Karina Brown in the middle of the pitch following the end of the game.

The couple, who have been together since 2014, are usually teammates for the national league squad, the Jillaroos, but faced off against each other for a competitive match on rival teams in the Origin match.

Karina Brown and Vanessa Foliaki embraced at the end of the inaugural women's State of Origin match on Friday. Credit:NRL Facebook

The photo was shared by NRL and Women's Rugby League on Facebook with the caption "#OurWay", but generated a mixed response.