'Earned their position': Young gun recalled as NSW Blues announce squad for women's Origin opener
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NSW have named their squad for the women's State of Origin opener, with four fresh faces and some popular recalls among the group.
Head coach John Strange, who took over from Kylie Hilder after the 2024 series loss, unveiled the 20-player squad on Wednesday.
Knights halfback Jesse Southwell has been recalled after being overlooked last year, while Kennedy Cherrington, Shaylee Bent and Kirra Dibb are also back in the fold.
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Jesse Southwell will return for NSW. Getty
Strange has selected four potential debutants - Abbi Church, Jayme Fressard, Ellie Johnston and Jocelyn Kelleher - will be vying for a spot in the final 17.
Tiana Penitani and Isabelle Kelly will co-captain the side for the May 1 clash in Brisbane.
"Having the six-week training block was a great opportunity to get to know all the players and see how they combined and worked together," Strange said.
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"All 30 players were outstanding over this period making it a very difficult decision to cut the squad down to 20. The players who are selected for game one certainly have earned their position and I can't wait for them to take the field."
The series kicks off at Suncorp Stadium, before fixtures at Allianz Stadium on March 15 and McDonald Jones Stadium on May 29.
Tiana Penitani. Matt King via Getty Images
NSW Blues women's State of Origin squad
Kezie Apps, Shaylee Bent, Jaime Chapman, Kennedy Cherrington, Abbi Church, Yasmin Clydsdale, Keeley Davis, Kirra Dibb, Jayme Fressard, Olivia Higgins, Ellie Johnston, Jocelyn Kelleher, Isabelle Kelly, Olivia Kernick, Tiana Penitani, Jessica Sergis, Jesse Southwell, Simaima Taufa, Sarah Togatuki, Emma Verran
