Maroons coach Tahnee Norris expects recalled veteran forward Chelsea Lenarduzzi to bring “absolute energy” to camp as Queensland prepare for a decider in Townsville.
Although Lenarduzzi last featured for Queensland in their 2022 loss, Norris said the Brisbane and Burleigh stalwart had worked hard to be part of the 20-player squad for Game Three after being overlooked for selection in the opening two games.
“I did have some conversations with her prior to Game One around what her role would be, how things were opening up for her and she's been fantastic," Norris said.
"She had a really good BMD Premiership, she's been there or thereabouts over the last couple of seasons.
She's a real leader in this group, both on and off the field, so I'm really happy to have her back into camp.
Maroons coach Tahnee Norris
“[I expect her to bring] energy, absolute energy. She is full of energy. She just loves being around this and she loves Origin.
“I'm really looking forward to having her bring that energy around the middles and have that impact throughout the training camps, both on and off the field is what she always brings.”
Lenarduzzi's inclusion was one of several key changes for the Maroons after their thrilling 11-10 win over the Sky Blues in Newcastle.
Titans rising star Sienna Lofipo has been ruled out with a PCL injury sustained in the match, while Destiny Brill was ruled out with a calf issue on Day One of camp – bringing Under 19's player Lily Peacock into the squad just one day after featuring in the junior Origin representative fixture in Sydney.
“At the moment, she's in the extended squad, so we'll see how she fits in, have her go through some of the combinations and see what role she will play and whether she does take the field in Game Three," Norris said of Peacock.
“We just want to see her through the training sessions and see how she stands up and then see what connection we can get her out on edges or whether she plays through the middle of the field.
“I let her know last night … I did tell her before the game and made sure that she was fully aware of what was actually going to happen.
“We didn't get the information until late around how long Destiny would be out for, (but) Lily's extremely excited about it. We'll look after her and make sure she's ready to go.”
Captain Ali Brigginshaw has been named to remain in the halves for the must-win game, with Norris saying the squad backed themselves to get the job done and claim a historic decider for the first time in women's Origin history.
“We're just really looking forward to taking the game up there, and the local community getting behind us for sure,” Norris said.
“I think the girls have really backed themselves.
Sky Blues v Maroons – Game 2, 2024
“Game One was really close. Emma Manzelmann gets over the line and has that try disallowed and we were back in that game. Then, Game Two, we were gritty all the way through it.
"I'm really confident in how these girls can actually play and how they're confident in each other to actually get the job done. They're ready to go.”
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