Maroons honour will never fade for star Toowoomba league player

If Toowoomba’s Shenae Ciesiolka earns her fourth Queensland Maroons jersey later this month, it will be just as special for the star centre as the ones that came before it. Find out what Ciesiolka thinks about State of Origin here.

Shenae Ciesiolka of Queensland attempts to break away from the defence of Jessica Sergis of New South Wales during the Women's Rugby League State of Origin match at the Sunshine Coast Stadium on June 25, 2021. Picture: Getty Images

Shenae Ciesiolka is no stranger to elite rugby league.

She has made her mark in the BMD Premiership, starred for the Brisbane Broncos and scored four tries for Australia in last year’s Women’s World Cup.

The chance to wear a Queensland Maroons jersey however is still one of the things she treasures the most.

“Any time you get that call, when you find out you’ve been selected is exciting,” Ciesiolka said.

“Wearing the Maroons jersey is something very special, it’s a huge honour, because there are just so many talented players getting around now.”

Shenae Ciesiolka of the Maroons is tackled during the Women's State of Origin match between New South Wales and Queensland at GIO Stadium, on June 24, 2022. Picture: Getty Images

Lining up for Norths Devils in the BMD Premiership this season, Ciesiolka missed out on finals footy but was happy with her efforts.

The hard-running centre finished with five tries, six try assists and ran for 774m in the seven games she played.

With Maroons coach Tahnee Norris focused on current form over reputation, Ciesiolka is pleased with her selection.

“The start of the (BMD Premiership) season was a bit difficult,” she said.

“But I feel like I worked my way into it and played some really good footy.

“I think it’s important and a great sign that Tahnee (Norris) has picked a team on form, not reputation or what a player has done in the past.

“It (Origin) is the toughest game of the year that we play.

“You have the best players from each state going head to head.

“It’s faster overall, the hits are bigger, it’s more physical and there are less errors – so you need to have that form going into it.”

The Maroons squad will head into camp on May 26 with a number of new players eager to claim their first Origin jerseys.

If Ciesiolka plays on June 1 it will be her fourth cap, and her advice to new players is simple.

“It’s natural to be a little nervous, it’s a massive game and it shows you care,” she said.

“What you have to do is back yourself and be confident.

“I remember an experienced player telling me ‘you’ve been picked for a reason’.

“The quality (of player) is so high you can focus right in making sure you do what’s asked of you as best as you can because that will help the players around you.”