Ciesiolka prepared for Origin debut in first season of rugby league

THE Chronicle speaks to Shenae Ciesiolka as she prepares for the biggest game of rugby league of her life.

ROOKIE AND VETERAN: Shenae Ciesiolka (left) and Steph Hancock will line up for the Queensland Maroons. Photo: NRL Images

RUGBY LEAGUE: Just a month ago, Shenae Ciesiolka played her first game of senior rugby league.

Now the Toowoomba flyer is preparing for war as she dons the Queensland jersey for the Women’s State of Origin on Friday night.

It continues a staggering rise for the winger since converting to league, going form missing selection in round one of the NRLW through to starting in the Broncos’ grand final victory.

“To be honest I didn’t see this coming at all,” Ciesiolka said.

“I’ve only played three games my whole life and to get that call from Karyn Murphy, I didn’t expect it.

“I think it’s been good to get thrown in the deep end. I’ve had to learn pretty quickly about the game and the position.

“They tested my defence with kicks (in the grand final), but we worked hard as a team and got the result on the day.”

While still learning about the trade, Ciesiolka said being able to come into Origin camp and learn about the history of the Maroons has herself and the team primed to get one over their southern rivals.

“It’s the first time we’ve had the opportunity to be together as a team preparing for the game for so long,” she said.

“We’ve been in camp for two weeks and it’s good to actually get to know the girls. Training at the facilities has allowed us to get familiar with the surroundings.

“The history of the Maroons has been awesome to actually understand the culture behind it all. There’s been activities involving past Maroons players and to be able to talk to them has been really good.”

One teammate that Ciesiolka has relished the opportunity to learn from is Killarney’s Steph Hancock, who has driven home the importance of wearing a Maroons jersey.

“She’s been awesome,” she said.

“She’s been around the game for a long time and if anyone needs any help or advice she’s always there.

“There’s something about the states and putting that jersey on. It makes you want to get out there and smash them.”

The Women’s State of Origin is broadcast live and in HD on Fox Sports from 6pm.