Maroons icons Allan Langer and Trevor Gillmeister to join Queensland’s women’s training camp ahead of State of Origin
QUEENSLAND legends Allan Langer and Trevor Gillmeister will break from the Maroons’ training camp later to throw their support behind the women’s State of Origin team.
Women's sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Women's sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
QUEENSLAND legends Allan Langer and Trevor Gillmeister will break from the Maroons’ Origin II camp later this month to throw their support behind the women’s state team.
Coached this year by former Maroons hooker Jason Hetherington, the Queensland women will take on NSW on June 22 — playing for the first time under the State of Origin banner.
Hetherington has called in a combined 56 games of Origin experience to meet the challenge, with the two former Maroons captains to run the water for his side at North Sydney Oval.
DEBUTANTS: Fresh faces add grunt for Queensland
Gillmeister, an assistant coach for the Maroons, and Langer, a Queensland trainer, will both be in camp with the men’s team ahead of their own Game Two clash in Sydney, but Hetherington said they did not hesitate when he asked for their help.
He went to Gillmeister first, given the former forward had already attended a few training sessions with the women’s team. Gillmeister then recruited Langer.
“It adds another dynamic to what we’re doing,” Hetherington said.
“You’ve got two of the greatest Queenslanders of all time involved. Gilly has been (involved) from when we first started.
“His presence, and to also have Alf’s presence around game day, it will just throw the (team’s) thought process to another level.
“These girls grew up watching Alf and Gilly run around.
“We’re all in it together. It’s Queensland. The big thing is trying to build that mentality. We support them and they support us.”
Maroons coach Kevin Walters has also promised to be in attendance as the Queensland team strive for their first victory in three years.
Hetherington unveiled his line-up on Thursday, with six debutants named.
Jillaroos winger Meg Ward will make her state debut alongside Kiwi Ferns utility Maitua Feterika, Burleigh Bears skipper Tallisha Harden and young bolters Frieda Faulato Seu, Mariah Storch and Rhiannon Revell-Blair.
Hetherington said it will be a fresh start for Queensland.
QUEENSLAND WOMEN’S STATE OF ORIGIN SQUAD
Chelsea Baker, Heather Ballinger, Annette Brander, Brittany Breayley, Ali Brigginshaw, Karina Brown, Frieda Faulato Seu*, Maitua Feterika*, Tazmin Gray, Steph Hancock, Tallisha Harden*, Kody House, Amelia Kuk, Rona Peters, Rhiannon Revell-Blair*, Mariah Storch*, Zahara Temara, Meg Ward*. Coach: Jason Hetherington *On debut
Originally published as Maroons icons Allan Langer and Trevor Gillmeister to join Queensland’s women’s training camp ahead of State of Origin