NSW star Kennedy Cherrington’s unfinished business ahead of State of Origin return

Kennedy Cherrington missed out on a NSW jersey in 2024, a year in which her NRLW season was also cut short by injury. After the stinging setbacks, the recalled star is in the best shape of her career and primed for Origin redemption.

She missed selection last year but recalled NSW Origin forward Kennedy Cherrington says there’s unfinished business to tend to at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night.

The Parramatta lock missed the cut to play for NSW in 2024 after playing both games the year prior, while a knee injury at the end of the NRLW season also ruled her out of a Jillaroos call up for the Pacific Cup and a trip to Vegas at the start of this season.

After booming representative career at state and international level, the setbacks stung, but have also put her in the best mindset she’s ever been in ahead of her return to the Origin arena.

“I’m coming into it with a new headspace this year after the injury and grateful to be playing footy, I think if you spend a long time on the sidelines not able to play you appreciate being able to do that and will do anything to get on the field,” she says.

“Unfortunately missed out (on playing for NSW) last year and that was tough, but I’m just grateful to be back. I think combinations and how a coach wants to play come into it as well, but Strangey has been very clear with me about my role and what I can bring to the team, just playing with the energy that I bring of the bench.

Kennedy Cherrington is back in NSW blue. Picture: NRL Photos

Kennedy Cherrington working hard. Picture: NRL

“There’s a sense of unfinished business, not just for me but for everyone in the team.”

The 26-year-old suffered an LCL injury in round six of the NRLW season last year, but has bounced back physically to be in some of the best shape of her career after playing for Maori All Stars back in February.

That attitude and hunger to get back in the sky blue jersey helped force her way into John Strange’s bench for game one.

“The six-week camp was amazing to be a part of and very different, I played one game series and then the two games in 2023 so this is my first preparation for a three-game series. It’s so good,” she says.

Running out onto the turf at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night is a moment she has manifested.

Kennedy Cherrington’s 2024 campaign with the Eels was tarnished by an LCL injury. Picture: NRL Photos

“I’m a big visual person, I have a vision board at home. I love to manifest what exactly I want to do and

“I’m very process driven,” she says.

“Knowing that, yes I missed out on Jillaroos, that’s okay, (for me it’s a) next job type thing. After Maori All Stars, Origin was the next thing.

“I been getting myself in the right physical and mental space to be in the best position to put my foot forward for selection, and this is kind of my hard work coming to fruition because Strangey obviously has picked me for a reason.

“I’m just really grateful to be back. Origin is a bit of a tricky one because you’re not always guaranteed, you’re always having to be in form and that’s why I’ve just really dived into making sure I’m in the best position to be selected.”