Queensland Women’s State of Origin coach Tahnee Norris has decided to stick with her squad for the upcoming Game II in Sydney, despite their defeat in Game I. The Maroons suffered a 32-12 loss to the Sky Blues in front of a packed crowd at Lang Park last Thursday, setting the stage for a crucial rematch.
Game II is scheduled for Thursday, May 15, at the Sydney Football Stadium, where Queensland will be looking to bounce back and keep their hopes alive of retaining the shield. Coach Tahnee Norris has made only one change to the team, with Brisbane Broncos forward Chelsea Lenarduzzi coming in to replace Destiny Brill on the bench.
Lenarduzzi, who has represented Queensland six times since 2017, brings some extra size to the Maroons’ lineup, which Norris believes will be beneficial. “I wanted to bolster the size in our middle, and Chelsea gives us that,” Norris explained. “I’m excited to see what Duzzi can bring to the team. She’s got a big frame and work rate, so it’ll be good for us.”
While Lenarduzzi’s inclusion means disappointment for Brill, who moves to the extended reserves, Norris is optimistic about the team’s chances in Game II. The Maroons will need to put in a strong performance to overturn their deficit from the first game and keep the series alive.
On the other side, NSW will head into Game II with an unchanged starting 17, with only one alteration on the extended bench. North Queensland playmaker Kirra Dibb has been replaced by Sydney Roosters winger Brydie Parker, as the Sky Blues aim to secure the series with a victory in the upcoming match.
If NSW manages to win Game II, they will clinch the series, while Queensland will be hoping for a repeat of last year when they managed to come from behind and win the series despite losing the first game.
The NSW Women’s State of Origin squad for Game II includes familiar faces such as Abbi Church, Jaime Chapman, and Jessica Sergis, while the Queensland Women’s State of Origin squad features players like Tamika Upton, Ali Brigginshaw, and Chelsea Lenarduzzi.
With Game II fast approaching, both teams will be gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling showdown on the field. The pressure is on for Queensland to deliver a strong performance and keep their series hopes alive, while NSW will be looking to close out the series with a win.
As the countdown to Game II begins, fans of women’s rugby league can expect an exciting and closely contested match between two talented teams vying for supremacy. Stay tuned for all the action and drama as the Maroons and the Sky Blues face off in a must-win clash in Sydney.