Studdon puts hand up for Origin recall as City beat Country

Former NSW halfback Maddie Studdon has put herself back in the frame for a State of Origin recall after impressing in City's 40-16 win over Country at Bankwest Stadium on Saturday.

Recently appointed NSW coach Kylie Hilder got a first-hand look at the state's best women's players ahead of their mission to reclaim the Origin shield against Queensland at Sunshine Coast Stadium on June 25.  

It was former captain Studdon who put up her hand in the 70-minute clash – albeit with a mixed display – to remind selectors of her skills after being overlooked last year.  

Studdon played her hand in three tries including a piece of brilliance in the second half to set up Shanice Parker, who finished with a double.

"It's just unreal to be back in this City team, there's so much talent coming through the pathways so I was very grateful I got selected," Studdon told NRL.com.

"I just love my footy and we had a great bunch of girls in camp this week. I had a tough year last year but I've let that go and am enjoying working hard on my game.

"Whatever happens from here, we'll just see. It would mean the world to me to get back into the Origin side, it was one of the hardest heartbreaks I've ever had, not being in the team last year.

"To get that blue jersey back would mean everything."

Hilder's backline for Origin appears settled but the make-up of her attacking spine and interchange bench remain unclear until players return to club football over the next month.

The battle of the hookers is also yet to be decided with Hilder likely to play both Quincy Dodd and Keeley Davis in tandem.

Dodd was a clear standout in the match, tearing the opposition apart through the middle as fatigue crept into the game with Davis struggling to make an impact in limited opportunities.

NSW incumbents Jessica Sergis, Corban Baxter and Sarah Togatuki were also dominant in the win as City raced to a 24-4 half-time lead before piling on four more tries in the second half.

Baxter (nee McGregor) has all but locked in the five-eighth spot after setting up two tries and scoring one of her own with either Studdon, Rachael Pearson, Jocelyn Kelleher and Mel Howard among the halfback candidates to partner her.

Sergis finished the clash with a treble in the centres to earn player of the match honours, while her wing partner Jocephy Daniels crossed for a double as Country's left side defence struggled.

NSW Country forward Caitlan Johnston, who was the under 18s Origin player of the match in 2019, was among the best of the forwards in a beaten Country side.

NSW City 40 (Sergis 3, Parker 2, Daniels 2, Penitani, Baxter tries; Studdon 2/9 goals) defeated NSW Country 16 (Kelleher, Predebon, Pearson tries; Pearson 2/3 goals) at Bankwest Stadium.