Westpac NSW Blues team-mates believe Jesse Southwell could be wearing the No.7 jersey for the next decade and have praised her maturity to bounce back from last year’s Origin snubbing.
Southwell, who will be treated as a hometown hero when she runs out with the Blues at McDonald Jones Stadium on Thursday night, didn’t even attend the 2024 Origin in Newcastle after being axed from the NSW squad.
The now 20-year-old debuted for NSW in 2023, but was overlooked last year and trained with the Knights before going home to watch Origin II on TV as she was feeling unwell and didn't want to sit in the rain.
However, NSW second-rower Yasmin Clydsdale predicted it could be a long time before her two-time premiership winning Knights team-mate misses another Origin match.
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Southwell's superb showing
“There is no ceiling for her because she could be whatever she wants,” Clydsdale said.
“She has shown so much maturity and resilience from last year to this year and it is really special to be a small part of her journey because she is going to be here for a very long time.
“To not be selected last year would have hurt and a lot – and I know that it did - but she has taken a lot of learnings from last year and she showed that in the first two games with the way she stood up and led the team around.
“She is still such a young age and she still has so much to learn, so I am excited to see what she can do in the future and even in this game.”
Blues coach John Strange, who has overseen NSW’s first series win after taking over the job this year, instilled confidence in Southwell after recalling her to the team.

“It’s a testament to her in this series how she has connected with the girls around her,” Strange said.
“They’re all learning off each other, and she’s really opened up to that, you can see how she’s playing.
“She’s obviously had that natural ability – the running game, her footwork is great, her passing skills are brilliant, and she’s got a really good kicking game.”
With Maroons great Ali Brigginshaw, who debuted for Queensland and Australia in 2009, now edging towards the end of her career, Southwell could also be the next Jillaroos halfback.
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NRLW Magic Round 2025
However, in a sign of her growing maturity, Southwell is reluctant to look too far ahead as she focuses on completing the job for the Blues, who are aiming to complete the first Women’s State of Origin whitewash.
“You never know whether your next game is going to be your last game so I am just cherishing every opportunity I get,” Southwell said.
“I absolutely love being around all of these girls and it has been an amazing last few weeks.
“Queensland have got a completely different side now so I think we are just looking forward to building some combinations and building off what we did in Game Two.
“We have still got a lot of improvement and I’m really excited to see what we can do.”
Match: Blues Women v Maroons
Game 3 -
home Team
Blues Women
away Team
Maroons
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle