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Kennedy Cherrington chose a photo of herself as a two-year-old with an NSW Origin ball for the inside cover of the sports journal she created while overcoming a knee injury that sidelined her for eight months.

Cherrington published the journal before her recall to the Westpac NSW Blues Women’s team for Thursday night’s series opener at Suncorp Stadium but the photo highlights the passion she has always held for Origin.

“I’m proud to say I’m Blues all the way, and I always have been,” Cherrington told NRL.com.

I don’t like the other state and that is alright.

“I think everyone here has that common goal of doing our state and our families proud. We have respect for the opposition but on game day there are no friends.”

Kennedy Cherrington is set to bring the energy and aggression for the Blues in Origin.
Kennedy Cherrington is set to bring the energy and aggression for the Blues in Origin. ©Grant Trouville/NRL Photos

New Blues coach John Strange told Cherrington he wanted her energy on the bench after being overlooked for last year’s inaugural three-match Women's State of Origin.

NSW team-mates say the Parramatta Eels forward will also provide “mongrel” for the Blues as Cherrington is renowned for getting under the skin of opponents when needed.

“Bringing the mongrel, that’s me,” Cherrington laughs. “I have thought about what I want to bring to this team, and I can describe it in three words - energy, aggression and authenticity.

“Whether it's being a 70-minute player in the middle, I know it is tough but if I can do that then I am the best team-mate for my team-mates.

"If I come off the bench, whether it is for 10 minutes or 40 minutes, I can be that energy the team needs.

“We have got unfinished business, the girls didn’t get the job done last year, but I feel like this year we know what to expect. Origin is a series of three games, and we have got to come out from the kick-off in Game One.”

Kennedy Cherrington has been passionate about the Blues since she was two years-old.
Kennedy Cherrington has been passionate about the Blues since she was two years-old.

Injury ruled Cherrington out of last year’s Pacific Championships and with All Stars her only match since last August, she missed Jillaroos selection for the Vegas Test against England.

However, the 26-year-old was one of the fittest players in the initial 30-player squad that trained for six weeks before Strange chose his side.

“When John called me, I was a little bit emotional," Cherrington said.

I just said to mum and dad, ‘I am back’.

“He said you have put your best foot forward with your fitness and mentally. You are that backrower I need off the bench with energy. It was really emotional, but I was really grateful and just really happy.

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Kennedy Cherrington setting the tone early!

“I got injured at the back end of last year and every day since then I said, 'I have missed enough football, I’ve had enough time to get my body right' and I just put myself in a really good space.

"My hard work has paid off, so I am really grateful to be back.”

The Eels enforcer spent her rehab with sister Rueben, who suffered a season ending syndesmosis injury in the opening round of last year’s NRLW.

Kennedy joined her in recovery after suffering a knee injury six weeks later.

“We helped each other,” Cherrington said. “Just seeing her work in rehab day in and day out kind of inspired me. We just fed off each other’s energy and some days were really, really tough but we just picked each other up.

“As frustrating as it was, I feel like rehab teaches you a lot of things about being a better person and better athlete. When you are playing footy it just kind of puts it into perspective the opportunity you have.”

Kennedy and Rueben Cherrington celebrate with family after making successful comebacks for Māori All Stars.
Kennedy and Rueben Cherrington celebrate with family after making successful comebacks for Māori All Stars. ©Gregg Porteous/NRL Photos

During her stint on the sidelines, Cherrington began journaling, and she has created a sports performance journal for athletes, which features the photo of her as a two-year-old with the NSW Origin ball.

“I hadn’t seen any athlete bring out a journal or a sports performance guide and I just felt passionate enough to do it,” Cherrington said.

“I couldn’t find one that worked for me, so I created one for us and the wellbeing unit for NRLW Rookie Camp actually purchased some for the rookies coming through, so it is about supporting our own.

“I am heavily involved in community and love giving back to kids, but also to my team-mates that need some guidance.”