Maroons’ redemption quest: Women’s State of Origin rivalry intensifies

The Maroons are seeking redemption in the Women’s State of Origin opener, vowing to overcome last year’s defeat. Join the team this weekend and experience the intensity.

With the Women’s State of Origin opener just around the corner, the Maroons are preparing to venture into enemy territory, feeling the pressure to secure a resounding victory next week.

After their defeat to the Harvey Norman NSW Sky Blues in last year’s stand-alone event, the women’s Origin series has expanded to two matches this year, intensifying the Maroons’ determination to emerge triumphant on NSW soil.

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Captain Ali Brigginshaw said the Maroon’s had turned the pain of last year’s loss into fuel to counter the tough competition expected from the Sky Blues.

“There’s always pressure pulling on that maroon jersey and playing in any State of Origin … the hurt is still there from last year but it’s given us more determination to get back on that field and beat the Blues,” the 33-year-old halfback said.

Tarryn Aiken, Ali Brigginshaw and Shaniah Power on their first day of camp at Royal Pines. Picture: Nigel Hallett

“I’ve been around for a long time now and there’s girls like Karyn Murphy that taught me the way to wear the Maroons jersey and it’s aggressive, proud and passionate, all these things come together and they make you the strongest rugby league player you can be.”

Coach Tahnee Norris recently announced Five debutants – wingers Sophie Holyman and China Polata, utility Romy Teitzel, hooker Emma Manzelmann and forward Keilee Joseph – to join the 18-woman squad fronting NSW at Commbank Stadium in Sydney on June 1.

Norris retained players Julia Robinson, Shenae Ciesiolka, Tarryn Aiken, Evania Pelite, Shannon Mato and Keilee Joseph, who were all part of the winning Jillaroos squad at the recent World Cup in England.

Women’s State of Origin players in the gym. Picture: Nigel Hallett

“We’ve got a great group, we’re super fit and know we’re up to the standard of origin,” Brigginshaw said.

“[NSW] always have strong backs, they’ve got Isobel Kelly, Jessica Sergis, they’ve got those girls that always show up for big games, so combating their back five is probably the biggest target.

“We had 51 missed tackles last year. So there’s no way we’ll be doing that again.

“If everyone does their own job – and we all know what the team’s job is – it will all come together. I think sometimes when you play on the big stage, you try and change things and do things differently but our approach is not overcomplicating it, basics is the way to go.

“There’s a lot of girls that have done their best to get to where they are and have overcome so many challenges to get there, they can all lead in their way.”

The Maroons are getting ready to take on the Sky Blues on June 1. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Brigginshaw said the unwavering support and enthusiasm from Qld fans played a crucial role in her team’s performance.

“Something Qld has always had is [Maroon’s] supporters – when everyone’s screaming at the TV or the field, when you run out there you just want to do the best for all the supporters that are watching,” she said.

For Brigginshaw, she hopes young fans watching them run on field will realise it can be their dream to one day do the same.

“It was definitely a dream for me [as a kid], but there was no way I thought it would happen,” she said.

“I didn’t even know there was women’s rugby league to begin with, so it was always kind of one of those dreams that you just wear the Maroon jersey in the backyard, not at a big stadium.

“And now when you when you’re doing it to all the girls, it’s kind of a surreal moment.”

Meet the Harvey Norman QLD Maroons Women’s team at Harvey Norman Bundall on Saturday 27 May 1.30pm-2.30pm and get your free team photo plus giveaways and prizes to be won.

Originally published as Maroons’ redemption quest: Women’s State of Origin rivalry intensifies