Rhiannon Revell-Blair to make debut in women’s Origin
WHEN Rhiannon Revell-Blair talks about representing her state, she instinctively starts grabbing at the Queensland logo on her jersey, the pride on her face obvious.
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WHEN Rhiannon Revell-Blair talks about representing her state in the first women’s State of Origin, she instinctively starts grabbing at the Queensland logo on her jersey, the pride on her face obvious.
The 17-year-old high school student is one of the bolters in this year’s Maroons team, named to make her debut on the wing at North Sydney Oval tomorrow night.
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She will be one of five fresh faces to take to the field as the Queensland side look to put two years of pain behind them from the interstate challenge, which will be played under the Origin banner this year.
Revell-Blair has already represented Australia at the under-18 level for rugby sevens.
But representing Queensland, the team that she has idolised since she was a kid, could be her greatest achievement to date.
“I’m a very proud Queenslander,” Revell-Blair said.
“Having the honour to play for your country, it’s great. But wearing the Queensland jersey … playing for your state, it means a lot. I have a strong bond with the girls.
“The older girls were telling me that after the last two years that NSW have won, they’ve had the bragging rights … I think fair enough. But we will all come together and do it for each other.”
The Maryborough-born Revell-Blair started playing rugby league at the age of five and became the first girl to represent the Capricornia region while competing with boys.
She moved to Brisbane on a scholarship with St Margaret’s five years ago, but had to give rugby league away at the end of grade eight due to limited opportunities.
After also dabbling in touch football and rowing, Revell-Blair was then pushed in the direction of rugby sevens by a touch football coach.
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But she returned to league this year, travelling each weekend from Brisbane to Emu Park, northwest of Rockhampton, to play the game she loves with her friends.
The hard work is all paying off for Revell-Blair, with the Broncos having also expressed interest in the gifted teen for the upcoming women’s NRL premiership.
“It takes all my problems away and clears my head,” she said of the game.
“I really hope that I can progress along and get that experience with the girls. I know I’m only 17, but I hope I can take it to that stage with the Jillaroos or play in the inaugural women’s NRL as well.
“It’s such an honour with my age (to play Origin) and being able to play with these talented girls. I’m really stoked.”
QUEENSLAND WOMEN’S TEAM
1 - Chelsea Baker
2 - Karina Brown (c)
3 - Amelia Kuk
4 - Meg Ward
5 - Rhiannon Revell-Blair
6 - Zahara Temara
7 - Ali Brigginshaw
8 - Rona Peters
9 - Brittany Breayley
10 - Heather Ballinger
11 - Tazmin Gray
12 - Maitua Feterika
13 - Annette Brander
14 - Mariah Storch
15 - Steph Hancock
16 - Kody House
17 - Tallisha Harden
18th player - Frieda Seu
Originally published as Rhiannon Revell-Blair to make debut in women’s Origin