NSW women pick nine rookies for Origin

NSW will roll out up to nine rookies for next month’s women’s State of Origin against Queensland after opting for a full shake up of the spine.

Blues coach Andrew Patmore has made sweeping changes to his squad that won last year’s clash, including axing halves Maddie Studdon and Kirra Dibb from his 20-woman squad.

Corban McGregor is expected to move from fullback to five-eighth, with Sydney Roosters teammate Melanie Howard to make her debut at halfback.

Howard left the field late in Sunday’s grand-final loss to Brisbane but has been cleared of any injury to her arm.

Botille Vette-Welsh will likely play fullback for the first time at Origin level, with St George Illawarra star Sam Bremner making herself unavailable.

Meanwhile rookies Keeley Davis and Quincy Dodd will fight for the dummy-half role with 44-year-old veteran Kylie Hilder.

Captain Kezie Apps is on track to beat a knee injury to feature in the November 13 clash on the Sunshine Coast, as is St George Illawarra teammate Isabelle Kelly after her ankle blow.

Shakiah Tungai, Vanessa Foliaki and Shontelle Stowers are the other players missing from last year’s 14-4 triumph, while Holli Wheeler and Takilele Katoa were both unavailable.

NSW WOMEN’S STATE OF ORIGIN SQUAD:-

Kezie Apps, Shaylee Bent, Millie Boyle, Kennedy Cherrington, Keeley Davis, Quincy Dodd, Filomina Hanisi, Kylie Hilder, Melanie Howard, Isabelle Kelly, Corban McGregor, Yasmin Meakes, Brydie Parker, Shanice Parker, Tiana Penitani, Jessica Sergis, Hannah Southwell, Simaima Taufa, Sarah Togatuki, Botille Vette-Welsh.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!