NSW Sky Blues coach Kylie Hilder has swung the axe ahead of game one of the 2024 State of Origin series, with Newcastle star Jesse Southwell dropped from the team.
Southwell made her Origin debut last year before claiming the NRLW premiership trophy with the Knights. The 19-year-old’s sister, Hannah, was named in the Sky Blues 21-player squad in 2023 but has also been dropped.
Hilder has opted to bring on a more experienced halfback over Southwell’s youth for the series opener, naming Parramatta halfback Rachael Pearson to play alongside Roosters’ star Corban Baxter
Baxter, who predominately plays at fullback during the NRLW season, is returning to the Origin arena for the first time since giving birth to her son last year.
Roosters hooker Olivia Higgins and Raiders prop Grace Kemp will make their Origin debuts in Origin I, with Kemp – a former Wallaroos star – likely to come into play from the bench.
NSW Sky Blues Origin I squad
1. Emma Tonegato, 2. Jaime Chapman, 3. Jess Sergis, 4. Isabelle Kelly, 5. Tiana Penitani, 6. Corban Baxter, 7. Rachael Pearson, 8. Millie Elliott, 9. Olivia Higgins, 10. Caitlan Johnston, 11. Yasmin Clysdale, 12. Kezie Apps, 13. Keely Davis, 14. Tahlia Fuimaono, 15. Olivia Kernick, 16. Grace Kemp, 17. Sarah Togatuki, 18. Jakiya Whitfeld, 19. Kirra Dibb, 20. Ellie Johnston.
