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

With seven returning and five NRLW players, NSW is poised to heap further pain on Queensland in the Women’s State of Origin U19s. We catch up with coach Courtney Crawford ahead of the big clash.

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

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