Blues coach John Strange has backed his winning line-up, naming the same squad of 17 for game two of the women’s State of Origin series that won the series opener in Brisbane last week.
Strange shook up the NSW side for game one, naming four debutants and a new-look spine, but the NSW mentor was vindicated after his team thrashed Queensland 32-12 at Suncorp Stadium.
The NSW and Roosters coach said he stuck with the same squad for game two at Allianz Stadium next Thursday because of the performance “of all 17 players”, not “necessarily the result”.
“They all had a job to do, that I asked them to do, and I felt like they did that,” Strange said. “As a coach, that’s all you can ask. Whether they win or not, if the players do what you ask, then I was really happy with that … The most impressive thing for me was the attitude that all 17 girls took out onto the field.
“They really respected each other, they respected the jersey, and then I also wanted them to have respect for the players that missed out on that jersey that they’ve got. And I feel like they did that really well.”
The only change to Strange’s side is to the extended squad of 20, with Kirra Dibb dropping out to make way for Roosters winger Brydie Parker.
It is unlikely that Parker will get a start in game two, but Strange said her adaptability made her the perfect reserve.
“Her versatility in camp – touch wood we don’t get any injuries or illnesses – but she’s played wing, centre, fullback, she’s actually played five-eighth for me as well,” Strange said.
“So the fact that she covers every position in the back line is going to be really comforting going into camp knowing we’ve got someone that can cover all those positions.”
Jesse Southwell yells orders at her team in game one.Credit: Getty Images
A big part of the Blues success was halfback Jesse Southwell, who had two line break assists and a try assist in her team’s victory. Strange said the young No.7 had confidently stepped back into the role after being dropped in 2024.
“I think with Jesse, she came through at a really young age, and was obviously a standout before she even got into the NRLW,” Strange said.
“But for me, it was [about] giving her direction on the field so that she could then feel comfortable and be really clear about her role.
“I haven’t coached her before, but I’ve seen her play for the Knights, and for me, it was just around giving her a role amongst the team, like I have with everyone, making sure she was really clear on it, and I feel like she just played with confidence, understood what she needed to do for the team, didn’t overplay her hand, but stood up when needed, and especially her kicking game I thought was great.”
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