Teen star Kasey Reh called up to new-look NSW Sky Blues top-30 squad as coach John Strange makes mass changes
On the back of last year’s humiliating series defeat, new Sky Blues coach John Strange is poised to make mass changes to the NSW squad, ushering in an under-19s Origin star as part of a halves overhaul.
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NSW is poised for a mass changes in the women’s State of Origin side with new Sky Blues coach John Strange ushering in under-19s star Kasey Reh into his new-look top-30 squad.
Flagging a change in the halves from last year’s series, St George Illawarra halfback Reh as well as Bulldogs star Tayla Preston, Knights No.7 Jesse Southwell and Cowboys captain Kirra Dibb will push for a start in the halves when the squad begins training for Origin I on Tuesday.
It’s understood last year’s combination Racheal Pearson and Corban Baxter have both missed selection as Strange pushes in a new direction following last year’s loss to Queensland.
Dragons’ newest signing Hannah Southwell has also been added to the squad and is pushing to return to the Origin arena for the first time since 2022, while teenage Knights forward Evah McEwen has also received the call up.
Reh, who is the niece of former Blues representatives Glenn and Brett Stewart, is one of the most exciting young stars of the game.
“There’s quite a few changes from last year, a lot of girls who haven’t been even in the extended squad,” Strange said.
“Kasey Reh, the young Dragons halfback. I’ve been watching her come through the Illawarra Steelers system over the last couple of years, Lisa Fiaola and Tarsha Gale, she was one of the standouts and one of the best players on the field in 19s Origin last year against Queensland.
“Evah McEwen is another one who is still eligible for under 19s. But I’ve included them into the squad, not for the future, but because they’re ready to go now if they put their best foot forward and work hard at training.”
The Sky Blues gathered at NSWRL headquarters on Saturday for an induction night and begin a six-week training block on Tuesday until Origin I on May 1 at Suncorp Stadium.
“I’m not concerned if you’ve played for NSW before or for the Jillaroos, whoever works hard, understands how we want to play and does everything possible to get into that Origin side in game one, then they’ll be playing,” Strange said.
There’s expected to be big changes after a humiliating defeat in game three of last year’s series under former coach Kylie Hilder.
Incumbents Millie Elliott and Caitlan Johnston will both miss this years series due to pregnancy, while Baxter is still recovering from an ACL injury she suffered last season.
Jillaroos stars Yasmin Clydsdale and Olivia Higgins are expected to miss at least the first training session of the camp.
They are still travelling around the United States following the Jillaroos massive win over England in Las Vegas.
Dibb is recovering from syndesmosis surgery and is still in a moon boot, but is expected to be available for game two.
“The squad of 30 was picked on form from last year in NRLW,” Strange said.
“Once the squad is out and they look around and see a lot of new faces, and that’s purely because I’m picking based on who put their best foot forward during the season last year.”
Both Ruan Sims and Alicia-Kate Hawke will assist Strange this year.
Meanwhile, Queensland have a different preparation ahead of the series opener on May 1.
The Maroons will hold a camp this weekend, as well as one other camp closer to the game which is a stark contrast to the Sky Blues preparation over the next six weeks.
The NSW squad will train Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays until the squad is selected at the end of April.
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Originally published as Teen star Kasey Reh called up to new-look NSW Sky Blues top-30 squad as coach John Strange makes mass changes
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