NSW captain Kezie Apps will use Queensland rugby league to prepare for State of Origin, as Sky Blues players face the reality of no club competition before the interstate series begins.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Changes to this year's women's structure means the NSW Premiership moves to the second half of the season, at the same time as the NRLW competition.
That change is not replicated in Queensland, where the State Cup will run from early March and give Maroons players regular football before the newly extended three-match Origin series.
The NSW Rugby League move is designed to provide better pathways long-term, while also giving NRLW clubs much-needed depth in the form of a reserve-grade competition.
But it looks likely to be a case of short-term pain for long-term gain for the Sky Blues ahead of Origin I on May 16 in Brisbane.
While Queenslanders will have enjoyed the benefit of week-to-week football, NSW will not after a mooted pre-season tournament fell through.
A number of NSW Origin players based in Queensland will stay north of the border to get regular football, while Apps has made the call to briefly relocate and play for the Western Clydesdales alongside Queensland captain Ali Brigginshaw.
"It'll be really good for me to get some games under my belt in the lead up to Origin," Apps said at the announcement of Westpac as NSW's women's sponsor for the State of Origin and junior leagues.
"It's going to be really important. Game one last year wasn't the best because we hadn't played footy in a while - and playing footy is the best prep to play footy."
Fellow NSW forward Millie Elliott - formerly Boyle - will not head to Queensland owing to work and life commitments, and conceded the ideal preparation would involve more game time.
"It's going to be a challenge," she said.
"You want to be playing games before you're heading in, but it's the chicken or the egg.
"It's going to look different for Queensland in Origin, having more games before.
"But when it comes to NRLW we've got a competition in NSW that (reserves) can be still playing in ... That will benefit (NSW clubs)."
While plans are still being finalised, a lengthy training block will include some match time to ensure players are not entering the series cold.
NSW coach Kylie Hilder said the change to season structure would assist the Sky Blues and women's rugby league long term.
"We feel it's best for the game, (but) it will affect our Origin prep," Hilder said.
"There were some concerns from the players, but now we're working with the players to make sure they're going to get what they need.
"We'll have a nucleus of a squad preparing ... There's no reason why we can't have some games without a competition."
Australian Associated Press
