Women’s State of Origin: Kezie Apps bracing for big hits from Maroons

SHE’S split her head open, broken bones and required surgery for injuries sustained on the field but Kezie Apps has her hand back up to take the big hits for her Blues teammates in Sunday’s Origin clash.

Australian Jillaroos and NSW Blues star Kezie Apps loves making the hard yards.

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SHE’S split her head open, broken bones and required surgery for injuries sustained on the field but Kezie Apps has her hand back up to take the big hits for her Blues teammates in Sunday’s Origin clash.

The destructive NSW forward says it is the physical side of women’s rugby league she enjoys the most ahead of the annual Origin battle between the Blues and Maroons in Wollongong.

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“I’m happy to take the big hits for my team,’’ said the 26-year-old from the NSW south coast.

“I like the physicality of the game, the adrenaline of it all.

NSW Blues player Kezzie Apps in camp at Kiama. Picture: Tim Hunter

The Jillaroos star after breaking her leg in February this year.

“I’d do anything for my teammates. Anything. It doesn’t bother me putting my body on the line.’’

Former Bulldogs premiership wining player Jamie Feeney, now the NSWRL Performance Programs Manager, has rated the Jillaroos and NSW star as tough and committed as any male rugby league player he has had under his guidance.

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Others have labelled her the toughest woman in league, a mantle she lived up to earlier this year when playing against New Zealand in Auckland.

An injured Kezie Apps after the Jillaroos beat the New Zealand Ferns.

With her forehead split open, Apps left the field for medical attention, returning just minutes later to break her leg and tear ligaments.

“I actually heard it go pop. I then just felt extreme pain,’’ Apps said after the accident.

Undeterred Apps soon reappeared wearing a moon boot so she could cheer her teammates home against the Kiwis Ferns.

Apps is not long back from surgery which saw six screws and a plate inserted in her leg and an extended rehabilitation period in a moon boot.

Kezie Apps is crucial to the Blues winning on Sunday.

“I’ve only played two club games but I’m just so excited to get back out there,’’ she said.

NSW will host the interstate challenge against Queensland at WIN Stadium on Sunday prior to St George Illawarra lining up against Manly.

The game carries additional importance for players hoping to crack the Jillaroos team, to contest the World Cup later this year.