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It’s a sorry State of Origin affairs.
The Blues women’s team finally broke through last year, ending a losing streak which stood at 17 with an emotional 8-4 triumph over Queensland on the Gold Coast.
This time, they’re on home turf, our turf, at WIN Stadium on Sunday, before St George Illawarra’s clash with Manly.
Just 10 days after NSW’s crushing 11th Origin series defeat in 12 years, the women’s team is focused on building their own rugby league dynasty.
Fullback Sam Bremner admitted struggling for motivation during the dark days during interstate challenge losing run.
“Coming from a very, very impatient person, I lost every Origin I played in up until last year,” the Helensburgh and St George Illawarra star said, as she prepares for her seventh appearance in the Blues jersey. It was challenging not to lose your enthusiasm along the way.
“But with help from such awesome teammates and really good coaching staff, they ignited the fire in my belly for football, especially last year.
“Going into this year, one of the things that (coach) Ben Cross has told us is, we’re not trying to defend the title, we’re trying to win this year.”
It will be a particularly special occasion for second-rower Kezie Apps, who earned the best player award from last year’s interstate victory.
In February, Apps was on crutches, wearing a moon boot and with bandages wrapped around her head, after breaking her leg in Australia’s women’s Test victory over New Zealand at the Auckland Nines.
She had left the field with a gash to her head, only to be badly injured on returning minutes later.
“I’m feeling pretty confident,” Apps said.
“It’s still a little bit iffy, but with adrenaline, I’m just going to go out there and give it my all and hopefully I can last the full 80 minutes.
“Basically, I think I’m going to have to a little bit more in the warm-up.
“Once it gets warm, I don’t really feel it at all. It’s just about trying to build up the muscles in my foot.”
The NSW squad moved into camp at Kiama on Wednesday, as well as conducting clinics with South Coast schoolgirls, building the next generation of Blues’ success.
- INTERSTATE CHALLENGE
Sunday (11.45am)
NSW v QUEENSLAND
WIN Stadium
NSW: Sam Bremner, Jessica Sergis, Corban McGregor, Isabelle Kelly, Nakia Davis-Welsh, Caitlin Moran, Maddie Studdon, Ruan Sims, Rebecca Riley, Elianna Walton, Kezie Apps, Talesha Quinn, Simaima Taufa. Interchange: Lavina Phillips, Rebecca Young, Ruby Ewe, Vanessa Foliaki, Jasmin Allende.
Queensland: Karina Brown, Chelsea Baker, Amelia Kuk, Jenni-Sue Hoepper, Courtney Robinson, Zahara Temara, Ali Brigginshaw, Stephanie Hancock, Brittany Breayley, Heather Ballinger, Ranae Kunst, Tazmin Gray, Rona Peters. Interchange: Sasha Mahuika, Kody House, Asipau Mafi, Chelsea Lenarduzzi, Kate Haren.