LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
John Strange, the Westpac NSW Blues Women's coach, has announced a 20-player squad for the upcoming women's State of Origin match against Queensland, including four debutants and a new captain.
Isabelle Kelly, who plays for the Sydney Roosters, will lead the team which features eight players who did not participate in last year's series.
The four Origin rookies are Abbi Church from the Eels, Ellie Johnston from the Sharks, and Jayme Fressard and Jocelyn Kelleher from the Roosters.
In addition to the debutants, the squad includes Kennedy Cherrington from the Parramatta Eels, Shaylee Bent from the Titans, Jesse Southwell from the Knights, and Kirra Dibb from the Cowboys.
Cherrington, Bent, and Southwell were part of the squad in 2023, while Dibb's last appearance was in 2022 when NSW emerged victorious.
Isabelle Kelly, who also captains the Sydney Roosters, will lead the team at Suncorp Stadium on May 1.
She is expected to take over as the next Jillaroos skipper, succeeding Blues legend Kezie Apps and Maroons star Ali Brigginshaw.
Kezie Apps, who remains in the squad, is likely to start at prop in the absence of Millie Elliott and Caitlin Johnston-Green, who are both unavailable due to pregnancy.
The team faces a tough challenge against Queensland, who will be looking to defend their title.
John Strange is confident in the abilities of his new players and believes they will make a significant impact in the upcoming match.
With a mix of experienced players like Isabelle Kelly and Kezie Apps, along with promising debutants, the Westpac NSW Blues Women's team is gearing up for an exciting battle against their arch-rivals.