State of Origin: Women’s Maroons take time to inspire next generation

Young footy fanatics flocked to Mooloolaba Beach to soak up some time with the women’s Queensland Maroons ahead of their highly anticipated clash with NSW on Friday.

Centre Lauren Brown with fans Layla Burgess, 8, Kayden Danzey, 9, and Harper Geritz, 9. PICTURE: Brad Fleet

Young footy fanatics flocked to Mooloolaba Beach to soak up some time with the women’s Queensland Maroons ahead of their highly anticipated clash with New South Wales on Friday.

Children aged six to 18 were given the opportunity spend hours with the stars of the game on Sunday, learning skills in a coaching clinic on the sand and getting autographs from their favourite players.

Queensland State of Origin players Shania Power and Julia Robinson are tackled by fans on Mooloolaba Beach on the Sunshine Coast. PICTURE: Brad Fleet

Maroons player Lauren Brown said it was amazing to see so many young girls and boys show their support.

“The Sunshine Coast is full of proud Queenslanders and it was lovely to meet a bunch of them,” she said.

Breanna Burgess and her daughter Layla, 8, made the two-hour trip from Browns Plains.

“She’s been playing football for four years, and hopes that one day she can do what
they do.”

The Queensland women take on the Blues on Friday at Sunshine Coast Stadium.