State of Origin: Blues women inspired by rugby league history
THEY are defending interstate challenge champions but NSW coach Ben Cross says the memory of “years of smackings” by Queensland in the women’s State of Origin still motivates his Blues side
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THEY might be defending interstate challenge champions but NSW coach Ben Cross says the memory of “years of smackings” by Queensland in the women’s State of Origin still motivates his Blues side.
Cross said there were enough players in his side who remembered the hurt of a long string of losses for it to be proving impetus in Sunday’s State of Origin game at Wollongong.
After a draw in 2015, NSW ended almost two decades of Queensland rule with their State of Origin win last year in Queensland.
“We have been pretty p’ed off for 16 years before that,” Cross said.
“There are still a few girls who were part of those smackings before last year. They haven’t forgotten what it feels like.
“We are out to win in 2017. Defend is a word I have outlawed. What happened last year means nothing.’’
GIANT OPPORTUNITY FOR NETBALLERS
Cross says the Blues need to produce a significantly better performance to the one which last year ended Queensland’s 17 year domination of the women’s State of Origin battle if they are to repeat the feat on Sunday and take home the Nellie Doherty Cup, named after the woman who was instrumental in staging the first female league game in 1921.
Cross said improvement has been made across the board in women’s rugby league with a coaching change north of the border also mitigating.
“We have to be better. A lot better,” he said.
“Queensland changed their coach when Brad Donald got promoted (to the Jillaroos).
“I could be coming up against a whole new game plan.
“That is something we have to prepare for and getting our game plan and players right is crucial.”
SUNDAY
Harvey Norman Women’s Interstate Challenge
NSW v QLD (Nellie Doherty Cup)
11.45am. WIN STADIUM
TV: Fox League LIVE
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