Blues rugby league women want their own three-game Origin series

NSW player Kezi Apps has called for a three-game Origin series replicating the men’s event to replace the one-off Interstate Challenge currently being played by the top women’s rugby league players.

Kezie Apps, playing for the Jillaroos, says it would be “ultimate’’ to have a three-game Origin series.

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NSW player Kezie Apps has called for a three-game Origin series replicating the annual showcase of the men’s game to replace the one-off interstate challenge currently being played by the top women’s rugby league players from either side of the border.

Apps was this week named in the Blues side to take on Queensland on Saturday at the Gold Coast for the Nellie Doherty Cup shield.

Kezie Apps playing against the Kiwi Ferns.

But the Jillaroos second-rower from the NSW south coast town of Bega would like to see the format extended to a three-match series by 2017.

“It would be even better if we could play on the same night as the guys. That would be the ultimate,’’ she said.

“Right now we get just one shot at beating them. There’s a lot of pressure.’’

Paul Gallen in the dressing room after Origin III. Pic: Gregg Porteous

In the wake of their 4-4 draw a year ago and the recent introduction of squad training sessions, the NSW side will go into the game with strong self belief.

“We do believe this is our best shot at them ever,’’ Apps said.

Apps said the intensity of emotion heading into the match is the same as in the men’s game.

“We are fired up,’’ she said.

“We are friends but on the paddock they are just our enemies and we are going out there to flog them.

“We have nothing to lose. Queensland are the ones who have dominated for 17 years.

“I reckon they would be pretty scared right now.’’

The women’s Interstate Challenge will be played at 3pm Saturday at CBUS Super Stadium as part of a triple-header which includes the Holden Cup and NRL clashes between the Gold Coast Titans and Parramatta Eels.