Women’s State of Origin late mail: Rachael Pearson cleared to play for NSW ahead of Origin I

NSW coach Kylie Hilder has put to bed any lingering doubts that one of her side’s star playmakers won’t be fit for Origin I on Thursday night. ORIGIN LATE MAIL.

Rachael Pearson (pictured) is set to play Origin I at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night after overcoming a calf issue heading into NSW camp.

NSW coach Kylie Hilder has rubbished any concerns over Rachael Pearson’s fitness, confirming the halfback is ready for the State of Origin opener on Thursday night.

Pearson, 30, was carrying a calf concern coming into NSW camp but finished every training session in the lead up to game one at Suncorp Stadium ahead of an expected record-breaking crowd.

In a joint press conference with Queensland on Wednesday, Hilder said there was no issue and Pearson would line up as named alongside Corban Baxter in the halves.

“There is no issue whatsoever with Rachel’s calf,” Hilder said.

“She’s ready to go, if there was an issue, we wouldn’t have picked her to be part of this team.

“She’s fully fit, completed every session and there hasn’t been an issue at all.”

Rachael Pearson is set to play Origin I at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night after overcoming a calf issue heading into NSW camp. Picture: Supplied

The confirmation will come as a relief for the Sky Blues who are gunning to win back the shield across a historic three-game series.

Pearson was dropped for game two of last year’s series but her recall forms part of a brand new halves combination with Roosters fullback Baxter at five-eighth.

“I’m really confident (in the pair),” Hilder said.

“ They complement each other really well. Rachel controls the game really well and has a great kicking game and then we’ve got Corban who’s that running five-eighth.

“They’ve been looking great together, working really well together and I’m excited to see them out on the field tomorrow night.”

Meanwhile, Queensland will be without Keilee Joseph who suffered a grade two MCL injury last week, replaced by Makenzie Weale who will make her debut from the bench.

Originally published as Women’s State of Origin late mail: Rachael Pearson cleared to play for NSW ahead of Origin I