Paki keen to make the most of her time in camp with Qld women’s State of Origin squad

Emma Paki has been named in the Qld women’s squad for Game II of the women’s State of Origin series. Read what she has to say and why her coaches believe she’s up for the challenge.

CQ Capras star Emma Paki has been named in Queensland women's State of Origin squad for Game II of the series in Newcastle.

Emma Paki is taking advantage of every minute spent in Camp Maroon.

The CQ Capras utility was called into the 20-member Queensland Maroons squad following a shoulder injury to Queensland winger Emily Bass.

She will be hoping to line-up alongside her fellow Capras and Newcastle Knights teammate Tamika Upton for Game II of the women’s State of Origin series in front of a sellout crowd in Newcastle on Thursday night.

The Maroons will be desperate to level things up after losing the opener 22-12 at Suncorp Stadium last month in the historic three-game series.

Paki’s selection puts an exclamation point on an incredible comeback for the 21-year-old after she spent last year on the sidelines.

The talented outside back was having a year to remember in 2022 before being struck down with injury.

After representing the Queensland under-19s for a second time and helping the Capras to the BMD Premiership grand final, she signed with the Knights, making her NRLW debut in September.

Emma Paki made her NRLW debut with the Newcastle Knights in 2022. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

Just weeks later, she ruptured her ACL during the Knights’ grand final win over the Parramatta Eels.

She underwent surgery and had a year out of the game before making a blistering return with the Capras this season.

The Cathedral College graduate is now on the verge of playing the biggest game of her already impressive young career.

Paki and the Maroons are in camp on the Gold Coast, preparing for this week’s all-important showdown under coach Tahnee Norris.

“It’s great to be back playing consistent footy after my reconstruction,” Paki said.

“The BMD season with the Capras has helped me a lot and to be in a position to come into Origin camp and be amongst this playing group is a wonderful opportunity.

“I’m hoping to learn as much as I can and make the most of it.”

Norris said she was “excited” for Paki.

“She’s played in a grand final for the Newcastle Knights, she’s been with the Capras throughout this season and she’s played in our Queensland 19s team,” she said.

Emma Paki at the Maroons' under-19s captain's run in 2022. Photo: Vanessa Hafner/QRL

“She’s been there as far as rep experience goes and I love the energy she brings to the game and to the squad.

“I’m impressed with how she has returned from injury and am looking forward to seeing her mix it at this level.“

Capras’ coach Julyess Jarvis said Paki’s inclusion was very much deserved.

He said she had demonstrated her ability and versatility, switching from her familiar positions of centre or wing to play five-eighth for the team this season.

He said her experience and leadership had proven invaluable.

“She’s got a great running game, defensively she’s strong and her ability to see space and get the ball there is one of her greatest skills,” he said.

“It’s really exciting and I’m sure she’s pumped for it.

“I think she has proven she is definitely ready to play at that next level.”

Queensland’s starting 17 is yet to be named.