2 weeks Ago
NSW have named a 20-woman squad for Game I of State of Origin, including four players yet to make their debut for the Blues. Eleven players involved in last year's series defeat to Queensland have been named in the squad, along with potential debutants Abbi Church (Parramatta Eels), Jayme Fressard (Sydney Roosters), Ellie Johnston (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), and Jocelyn Kelleher (Sydney Roosters). As 22,000 fans let out a "Queenslander" chant to drive their heroes home in the first Women's State of Origin decider, it became clear how immense 2023 could be for rugby league in Australia.
The squad also contains four players — Kennedy Cherrington (Parramatta Eels), Shaylee Bent (Gold Coast Titans), Jesse Southwell (Newcastle Knights) and Kirra Dibb (North Queensland Cowboys) — who also have Origin experience. NSW coach John Strange said it was difficult to choose the 20-woman squad following a training block of 30 players who were "outstanding". "All 30 players were outstanding over this period making it a very difficult decision to cut the squad down to 20.
"The players who are selected for Game I certainly have earned their position and I can’t wait for them to take the field on 1 May." All three matches of the 2025 Women's State of Origin series will be played in May. ABC Sport Daily is your daily sports conversation.
We dive into the biggest story of the day and get you up to speed with everything else that's making headlines. Game I will be held at Lang Park in Brisbane on Thursday, May 1, officially beginning the NRL's Magic Round. The series will then move south to the Sydney Football Stadium on May 15, and conclude at Hunter Stadium in Newcastle on May 29.
NSW won the opening match of the 2024 series at Lang Park 22-12. The Blues had a lead late in Game II before losing 11-10 at a rain-soaked Hunter Stadium. The Maroons produced the best performance of either side in the decider at Townsville to claim the shield with a 22-6 victory.
NSW Blues Game I squad The ABC of SPORT.
