Women’s State of Origin Game 2 teams: Queensland Maroons make changes after Game 1 humiliation to NSW Blues

After humiliation on home turf in the series opener, Queensland coach Tahnee Norris has been forced to shuffle her team for Origin II, including a recall for a star forward. SEE THE TEAMS.

Queensland coach Tahnee Norris has been forced to shuffle the team ahead of State of Origin II at Allianz Stadium on Thursday week, with Brisbane’s Destiny Brill dropped to make way for Chelsea Lenarduzzi.

Brill started the game at lock in the opening loss at Suncorp Stadium last week, but has been left out of the 17 altogether with Norris to prioritise size in a bid to level the series.

Lenarduzzi was left out of the team game one, but has been rushed onto the bench after the Maroons pack was monstered by the Blues 32-12 in front of a booming crowd in Brisbane.

Rising Cowboys forward Makenzie Weale has also been promoted from the bench to starting prop alongside Jessika Elliston, with Keilee Joseph shifted into the No.13 jersey in a rearrangement of the forward pack.

Lenarduzzi, who will play her seventh Origin game for the Maroons next Thursday night, joins a versatile bench along with Jada Ferguson, Sophie Holyman and Tavarna Papalii.

“I wanted to bolster the size in our middle, and Chelsea gives us that,” Norris said of the changes.

Chelsea Lenarduzzi is in the Maroons side. Picture: QRL.

“I’m excited to see what Duzzi can bring to the team. She’s got a big frame and work rate, so it’ll be good for us.

“I am disappointed for Destiny after she missed out, but I am eager to see what game two will look like.”

Winger Jasmine Peters has also been named to return in game two after being ruled out of the second half of the series opener with a head injury.

Head coach Tahnee Norris has a job on her hands in game two. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

She will follow return to play protocols once the Maroons join camp on Thursday.

Meanwhile, NSW coach John Strange has named an unchanged line-up after a record win over the Maroons at Suncorp Stadium last week.

Debutants Abbi Church, Jayme Fressard, Ellie Johnston and Jocelyn Kelleher have all retained their place in the Blues side after romping to victory in Brisbane.

The Maroons must win to level the series at Allianz Stadium next Thursday, before game three in Newcastle on May 29.

Originally published as Women’s State of Origin Game 2 teams: Queensland Maroons make changes after Game 1 humiliation to NSW Blues