Young girls no longer just have the men to look up to in the State of Origin arena as they can now find their role models in the women that will be leading the way in Friday night's State of Origin clash at North Sydney Oval.
Maroons captain Karina Brown said both the Queensland and New South Wales side's feel grateful that they are able to inspire the young girls in our game through the presence they have on and off the field.
And unlike when she was a little girl, the younger generation today are now able to look up to the women in our game.
"When I was growing up I followed Darren Lockyer and now they [young girls] can want to be like Ali Brigginshaw or Maddie Studdon which is amazing," Brown said.
"That's what our game is about, it's about continuing to grow the game and being role models for the younger generations.
"We got to do a coaching clinic this week and we had hundreds of young girls come to that and for them to aspire to be us, you just have to pinch yourself sometimes."
Brown said Friday night will not only mark a significant time in history for the women that are playing but also the past players and staff who paved the way so that the game could be what is it today.
"This is a huge moment for women's rugby league and it's something that a lot of players and staff before us have really pushed for," Brown said.
"We're always thankful and grateful for what they've done for the game and we are really taking responsibility now to continue that legacy and this a step in the right direction."
The match at North Sydney Oval is being supported by the Australian government's Girls Make Your Move campaign.
Department of Health studies show young women are twice as likely as boys to be inactive and they experience more barriers preventing them from being as physically active.
The campaign is why encouraging all girls regardless of age, skill, ethnicity or background to find an activity that they love is so important.
Blues captain Maddie Studdon said the responsibility these women now have starts with highlighting the importance of a healthy lifestyle for the young girls that are coming through.
Women's State of Origin
"Throughout our campaign we definitely wanted to inspire young girls to stay fit and healthy," Studdon said.
"It's vital for us to lead by example and pass those important messages on."
Holden Women's State of Origin is ready to kick off a new era in elite women's sport. Witness the spirit of Origin manifest on the iconic North Sydney Oval on Friday, June 22. Tickets available now!