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Brought into Queensland's squad of 17 to add more experience, prop Chelsea Lenarduzzi said it was time for the Maroons forwards to stand up to try and avoid a series defeat in Sydney.
The elevation of Lenarduzzi from the reserves to the interchange bench was the only personnel change made by Maroons coach Tahnee Norris for this Thursday’s must-win State of Origin game at Allianz Stadium.
Part of the team that dominated the decider in Townsville last year to claim the inaugural three-game women’s series, Lenarduzzi said she has been encouraged by Norris to play to her strengths as the side look to force a decider.
“I think that's something that everyone's going into this game with that mindset of just play your individual game and play to your strengths,” Lenarduzzi said.
“We're a very tight group … but we've got a big job to do on Thursday night, but I think this team's pretty relentless in striving for overcoming those sort of obstacles, so we'll be ready to go.”
The Maroons are determined to improve are falling short at Suncorp Stadium and have history on their side after fighting back after dropping the opening game last year, but Lenarduzzi said while the squad took confidence from that performance, both were new sides this year facing a new set of circumstances.
With New South Wales equally determined to secure their first official State of Origin series win, the game ahead would present a new challenge, but one Lenarduzzi and the rest of the forward pack especially would be ready for.
“It does give us confidence for sure, but at the same time we're not last year's team,” Lenarduzzi said.
“But we can't rely on last year's result because the Blues are a different team as well, so this group's just focused on the task, without looking backwards.”
With the Maroons being outgunned in the series opener, with New South Wales able to outpoint their opponents in most major statistical areas, Romy Teitzel was the only Queensland forward to make more than 100 metres compared to four Blues, with Simaima Taufa, Kezie Apps, Olivia Kernick and Kennedy Cherrington – who came off the bench – all reaching the mark.
The Blues forwards also showed great levels of energy to help get their side on the front foot and outmuscling the Maroons pack, with Lenarduzzi - who is set to play in her sixth Origin game, having also previously represented Queensland in the Interstate Challenge - saying that was something Queensland would be looking to rectify in the next game.
“I think that as a forward pack you try to go into every footy game and dominate the other side, so it's not like it's a huge mentality shift, but to be frank, they did, so, it's our turn.”
Match: Blues Women v Maroons
Game 2 -
home Team
Blues Women
away Team
Maroons
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
