'Been a lot of backlash': NSW star sick of Origin topic that is debated every year
Kennedy Cherrington has had enough of the debate on the scheduling of women's State of Origin and called for greater focus to be placed on the product that is being delivered.
It has been long debated whether Origin should start the footy year for the women's game, with critics arguing it should be slotted later in the calendar so that NRLW form could dictate selection and potentially deliver better quality performances.
Most players enter the series opener having not played a top level game in at least six months, with teams now conducting a six-week training camp to get their players prepared.
READ MORE: 'Bad news for NSW' emerges from game that flipped narrative
READ MORE: Super Rugby officials hit back at claims Reds were dudded
READ MORE: Fears that Collingwood face 'mightily ugly' oblivion
Some stars did feature in the representative All Stars game in February, but most in that game still have to wait until July to start competing regularly again.
A gritty battle in Newcastle saw the Blues come out on top in the series opener 11-6, but that low score was met by criticism online. Speaking to media on Monday, Cherrington called out the critics.
"There has been a lot of backlash with the Origin game being the first game of the season," she told reporters on Monday.
Kennedy Cherrington high fives Olivia Kernick as she comes onto the field. NRL Imagery
"You can't really control the score, but I do love a game that is set for set, try for try.
"We have spoken as a team about (the backlash) ... but last year was an amazing game and this year was too.
"I feel like we have to stop looking at that and just celebrate that the season is finally here. The product you are going to get is amazing, whether that be with a few mistakes or no mistakes."
Kennedy's comments followed on from the post she made on X calling out those who are attempting to disguise "disrespectful comments" as criticism in the sporting landscape.
Watch the 2026 Women's State of Origin series live and free on Nine and 9Now.
The post was pointed towards those questioning the growth of the women's game as well as those who said the series opener was "one of the worst games" they'd seen.
"Last year the reaction was completely different after Game I. Same game, same sacrifice, same commitment," Cherrington wrote on X.
"Critique the actual game if you want because that comes with sport, but understand the structure of our season and the reality of being semi professional athletes balancing training, full time jobs, families, study, and everything else outside of sport.
"Dismissing athletes who put their bodies on the line at the highest level says more about bias than it does about quality. Respect isn't gendered."
Kennedy Cherrington seen in action at NSW Blues training. NRL Imagery
Cherrington was in no mood to let that debate cloud her thinking heading into game two. She warned that she will rile up the opposition if need be.
"You have to have personalities in the game and that's the special thing about Origin," she said with a smile on her face.
"The energy that comes out; you can really express who you are and let the footy speak for itself.
"I'm the older sister of five kids so there was always banter at home and that ... makes me who I am, that makes me Kennedy. And Mum's always said, don't let anyone take that authenticity away from me. So I just let loose on the field."
Game two of the women's Origin series will take place on Thursday at Suncorp Stadium.
