Women’s State of Origin U19s: Star-studded NSW Junior Blues to inflict more pain on Queensland

A star-studded NSW team is prepared to keep its strong record intact in the Women’s State of Origin U19s. We look at six young guns who are ready to fire on the biggest stage.

NSW is hoping to replicate these scenes as the Women’s State of Origin U19s heads to the Sunshine Coast. Picture: NRL Photos/Gregg Porteous

A star-studded NSW team is prepared to keep its strong record intact in the Women’s State of Origin U19s.

We look at six young guns who are ready to fire on the biggest stage.

SEE THE FULL NSW U19s SQUAD HERE

LOGAN FLETCHER

Took her game to another level for the Sydney Roosters this season and is in contention to get goalkicking duties on the night. A tall fullback who so often makes the right decision when to get involved and link with her outside backs. The Narellan Jets junior could provide the next memorable moment.

Tori Shipton Picture Warren Gannon Photography

TORI SHIPTON

Hard to believe that she is still eligible for this team next year. Shipton has an incredible resume to her name already, winning a HNWP title last year after graduating from Lisa Fiaola Cup. Stepped up to Tarsha Gale with the Steelers and the young dummy half was outstanding. Such an exciting player close to the line.

KAYLA HENDERSON

The lone Panther in the squad, the move from Canterbury to Penrith proved a masterstroke for the fullback. A two-time Australian Schoolgirls rep, this match will mark the start of a big journey for Henderson before she joins Penrith’s inaugural HNWP squad as a development player, although she will certainly be seeing plenty of game time.

EVIE MCGRATH

One of five players with NRLW experience to her name, McGrath came through the Steelers pathways before linking with the Wests Tigers. Coach Crawford talked about big-game experience being crucial to this team, and she has it in spades. Has performed at the elite level and will relish this arena.

Ava Jones Picture Warren Gannon Photography

AVA JONES

An underrated talent in Parramatta’s Tarsha Gale title run, not starting until round six before taking over the hooking duties and proving herself on that stage. Could form one of the most lethal attacking forces with Shipton if coach Crawford elects to run with the pair.

TESS MCWILLIAMS

Was named player of the match for Parramatta in the Tarsha Gale Cup grand final. She completely changed the game when coming on the field with two tries and an unmatched impact. I suspect coach Crawford will look to give her a similar role around halfway through the first half. Queensland will have nightmares about her.

NSW U19s were victorious over Queensland in 2024. Picture: NRL Photos/Gregg Porteous

‘THERE’S PLENTY OF TALENT ACROSS THE PARK’

The Queensland U19s won’t know what hit them when the old enemy comes rolling into the Sunshine Coast later this month.

It’s been a tough period for Maroons fans, with the Women’s State of Origin wrapped up inside two games and the Blues taking a commanding game one win in the men’s series.

Now that pain is about to intensify.

Off the back of a dominant nine-try demolition in last year’s outing, NSW has named a strong squad of 20 as its prepares for the Women’s State of Origin U19s.

It gives the Junior Blues an imposing aura that coach Courtney Crawford is hoping to translate into another win.

“I’m really happy with this team. There’s plenty of talent across the park and they have experience on the big stage,” Crawford said.

Evah McEwen brings experience at this level and NRLW. Picture: Gregg Porteous/NRL Photos

“They’re just great young girls. They’re always looking to learn and grow as players.

“There are girls in good form and we have some good combinations there which helps coming into a short camp.”

Seven players are backing up from last year’s game while five have already experienced the heights of NRLW.

“They understand how they need to prepare. The likes of Kasey Reh and Evah McEwen have had a bit of NRLW experience and you expect they’ll take more of a leadership role,” she said.

“For a lot of them (that played last year) it was the proudest moment of their careers.

“They understand they’re not just representing themselves and their families, but they’re representing their state.”

Courtney Crawford was assistant coach in 2024 as the NSW U19s scored a big win over Queensland. Picture: NRL Photos/Gregg Porteous

Crawford is in the midst of taking her coaching game to the next level as well.

This will mark her first year at the helm of the NSW U19s, following on from an undefeated premiership and minor premiership in two seasons in charge of Illawarra in the U19s Tarsha Gale Cup.

After an assistant role with the Dragons in last year’s NRLW, Crawford will step into the position of HNWP head coach at Illawarra, as she looks to continue developing her own game.

“I’m really looking forward to the experience. I had a couple of years as assistant under Kate (Mullaly) and have been lucky enough to work with the U19s for a while,” she said.

“If you asked me a couple of years ago if I’d be in this position, I’d have laughed. I’m really proud, but it doesn’t just come from me, I have a great support system.

“It’s a good opportunity to step into the women’s space again (in HNWP).”

Originally published as Women’s State of Origin U19s: Star-studded NSW Junior Blues to inflict more pain on Queensland