NPL Victoria’s best to take on Queensland in State of Origin double-header

NPL Victoria’s best men and women’s talents will take the field together on Saturday in a State of Origin double-header against Queensland.

Zander Guy celebrates a goal for Avondale. Picture: Mark Avellino Photography

State of Origin arrives in Melbourne on Saturday Victoria hosts Queensland.

The cream of the states’ National Premier Leagues men and women will be on show in a blockbuster double-header at LaTrobe University, the home of the Matildas.

Victoria returns to representative football for the first time since 2009 for the men and 2005 for the women.

NPL men’s premiers and champions Avondale are well represented with Yusuf Ahmed, Liam Boland, Ayden Brice, Zander Guy, Kristian Trajceski and Dillon Jakupi selected.

Women’s premier Bulleen Lions is represented by Gabriela Garton, while champions South Melbourne have Francesca Iermano, Danielle Wise, Akeisha Sandhu and Leia Varley included.

With chance to train and play alongside some of the best players in the state has not been lost on the lucky few selected.

Heidelberg United’s Stef Galea and South Melbourne’s Francesca Iermano have relished the opportunity and the chance to reunite.

“It’s exciting, being chosen is an honour, it’s not something we’ve had the opportunity to do before,” Galea said.

“It’s great for young players to aspire to make the squad in the future and just the opportunity to play with the best NPL players, getting to play alongside a lot of new faces is exciting.

“I’m looking forward to being on the same team as Kristina Hall, she likes to give me s--t on the ground, and then Dani Wise and Franny, it’s good to be reunited with Franny.”

Iermano was confident of a win.

“The quality we have in the team is unbelievable, I’m confident we can put on a good show on Saturday.

“With the quality, all the girls coming from different club, everyone has clicked really quickly and we all know each other from the season.

“I think playing alongside someone like Miri Nishimura from Preston, she’s unbelievable and not someone I’ve played with before, playing with someone of that quality - not from Australia as well - is really exciting.”

Meanwhile, Cian Cuba moved to Melbourne this year from Queensland and will be well versed in what the Maroons are capable of.

Cuba enjoyed an outstanding debut season with Altona Magic after stints with Olympic and Gold Coast.

He said the strength of Victoria’s squad gave him plenty of confidence heading into the clash.

“It’s a big privilege,” he said.

“Coming down, first season in Melbourne, I didn’t know how I would go and I’m happy to be voted into the team.

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“The vibe has been very, very good, the boys are unbelievable, they’re all quality players and you can see that in the way they train and prepare.

“I definitely think it's a good concept, it’s good for ourselves in Victoria and good for Queensland as well to get them more notice.

“I think we’re just excited to get out there and play and have some fun, I’m pretty confident with the quality of players we have and believe we can get the job done.”

Victoria and Queensland face off at The Home of the Matildas in Bundoora on Saturday with the women’s match kicking off at 4pm and the men at 6.30pm.