Cherrington, Davis among new faces in Blues squad
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Uncapped players Kennedy Cherrington and Keeley Davis are among a 19-player NSW side announced to take on Queensland in women’s State of Origin on June 25 at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
NSW coach Kylie Hilder has included 13 incumbents and four possible debutantes in a bid to reclaim the shield after the Maroons won their first title 24-18 last year on home soil.
Davis has been named to replace now-coach Hilder at hooker after a back injury cruelled her chances of a maiden appearance last year.
Cherrington's selection is a promotion after she wasn't included in Andrew Patmore's final 17 last year despite strong form in the NRL Telstra Women's Premiership.
Former captain Maddie Studdon and rugged forward Holli Wheeler have also earned recalls after missing last year’s fixture due to form and injury.
The extended squad are coming off a NSW City-Country selection trial at Bankwest Stadium last week as part of their preparations.
This is a Rivalry that knows no boundaries
They will begin training sessions together over the next month before going into camp and travelling to Queensland.
Hilder has left out incumbents Melanie Howard, Shanice Parker and Shaylee Bent after last year's loss, while North Sydney Bears utility Renee Targett is the bolter alongside Brydie Parker, who will be 18th player.
"We've named a very strong team to take on Queensland and I was really impressed by the form the players showed in the Country v City match this month," Hilder said.
"I can't wait to get into camp and I'm confident the players will give a good account of themselves and are looking forward to the opportunity to take on Queensland again."
NSW Women's Origin team
1. Botille Vette-Welsh
2. Yasmin Meakes
3. Jess Sergis
4. Isabelle Kelly
5. Tiana Penitani
6. Corban Baxter
7. Maddie Studdon
8. Simaima Taufa
9. Keeley Davis
10. Millie Boyle
11. Kezie Apps (c)
12. Sarah Togatuki
13. Hannah Southwell
Interchange:
14. Quincy Dodd
15. Filomina Hanisi
16. Kennedy Cherrington
17. Holli Wheeler
18. Brydie Parker
19. Renee Targett
Women’s Origin tickets are on sale via NRL Tickets. Supporters can watch the historic match from just $5 for juniors, $15 for adults and $35 for families
