Maroons call up Lenarduzzi for must-win Origin clash

Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons head coach Tahnee Norris has announced named her squad for next week's must-win game against New South Wales, calling in Chelsea Lenarduzzi as the only major change.

The Brisbane Broncos forward will come on to the bench, with Destiny Brill reverting to the reserves in the number 19 jersey.

“I wanted to bolster the size in our middle, and Chelsea gives us that,” Norris said.

"I’m excited to see what Duzzi (Lenarduzzi) can bring to the team. She’s got a big frame and work rate, so it’ll be good for us.

“I am disappointed for Destiny after she missed out, but I am eager to see what Game Two will look like.”

Lenarduzzi's inclusion provides more experience to the Maroons side who are missing the services up front of Shannon Mato (pregnancy) and Tazmin Rapana (retirement); with prop relishing the rough and tumble of the Origin arena.

Co-captains Tamika Upton and Ali Brigginshaw will again lead the side. 

NSW won the opening game of the series 32-12 against Queensland at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

The Maroons squad goes into camp on Thursday and will be aiming to repeat their heroics of last year where they fought back to secure the series after dropping the first game.

Game Two of the series will be played in Sydney at Allianz Stadium, before the final game at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Thursday, May 29.

Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons Game Two squad

1. Tamika Upton (c) (Brisbane Broncos)
2. Julia Robinson (Brisbane Broncos)
3. Shenae Ciesiolka (Brisbane Broncos)
4. Rory Owen (Parramatta Eels)
5. Jasmine Peters (North Queensland Cowboys)
6. Tarryn Aiken (Sydney Roosters)
7. Ali Brigginshaw (c) (Brisbane Broncos)
8. Makenzie Weale (North Queensland Cowboys)
9. Lauren Brown (Gold Coast Titans)
10. Jessika Elliston (Gold Coast Titans)
11. Sienna Lofipo (Gold Coast Titans)
12. Romy Teitzel (Brisbane Broncos)
13. Keilee Joseph (Brisbane Broncos)
14. Jada Ferguson (Brisbane Broncos)
15. Sophie Holyman (Canberra Raiders)
16. Chelsea Lenarduzzi (Brisbane Broncos)
17. Tavarna Papalii (Sydney Roosters)
18. Georgia Hannaway (Cronulla Sharks)
19. Destiny Brill (Brisbane Broncos)
20. Hayley Maddick (Brisbane Broncos)