LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The Westpac NSW Blues Women's coach, John Strange, has selected his squad for Game One of the 2025 State of Origin series, with four debutants and several returning players.
The four new faces in the squad are Abbi Church, Jayme Fressard, Ellie Johnston, and Jocelyn Kelleher, while players like Kennedy Cherrington, Shaylee Bent, and Jesse Southwell are making a comeback after previous campaigns.
Kirra Dibb, who was part of the winning 2022 side, is also in the squad.
Isabelle Kelly will captain the team, with Tiana Penitani Gray as vice-captain.
The squad includes eleven players from the 2024 team and nine Jillaroos from the squad that defeated England in February.
The announcement was made at a special function at the Sydney Opera House, with the team set to start their Game One camp at Sydney Olympic Park.
Quotes:
- "Westpac NSW Blues Women's coach John Strange has named four debutants in his 20-player squad to face Queensland for Game One of the 2025 State of Origin series on Thursday 1 May at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane."
- "The team will be captained by Isabelle Kelly (Sydney Roosters) with Tiana Penitani Gray (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks) named as vice-captain."
- "The squad was announced today by NSWRL Chair Carolyn Campbell at a special function for the players and their families at the Sydney Opera House."
- "They will begin their week-long Game One camp tomorrow at Sydney Olympic Park."