NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden and Westpac NSW Blues Women’s coach John Strange paid tribute to the legends of the female game while welcoming four new members to the Blues family at the team jersey presentation last night on the eve of tonight’s Ampol Women’s State of Origin Series-opener.
The pair were joined by NSWRL Chair Carolyn Campbell, the NSWRL Board and family members (in person and online) for the special presentation ahead of Game One at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.
Strange said: “I think of all the legends in our game – and there’s one in the room now in Tarsha Gale – and with Ruan (Sims) on our coaching staff, these are players who everyone in our team looks up to.”
Gale is the newest member of the NSWRL Board, joining in February, and she was the first captain of the NSW women’s team. Sims is also a former NSW captain.
2025 Westpac NSW Blues Women’s Jersey Presentation - Debutants
Trodden pointed out that three players running onto Suncorp Stadium tonight – Kezie Apps, Isabelle Kelly and Simaima Taufa - were also in the NSW team a decade ago which broke Queensland’s stranglehold on the Interstate Challenge with a 4-4 draw after the Maroons had won 16 straight (1999-2014).
“I know they don’t like to be called veterans but we need to recognise the work they’ve done on their journey to get the NSW women’s team to where it is at the moment,” Trodden said.
“It’s such an important occasion and everyone on our Board is here.
“They have come because they want to congratulate everyone on the team, particularly the debutants.
“I also want to acknowledge coach John Strange as it’s his first game as a State of Origin coach.”
The four debutants – fullback Abbi Church, winger Jayme Fressard, prop Ellie Johnston and utility Jocelyn Kelleher - were the last to receive their jerseys, so they could tell everyone present what it meant to them.
Church said: “When I look around the room at these great athletes and think those who have worn this (No.1) jersey before me, I think it’s the greatest honour of my career.”
Fressard, who made her first state squad in 2016, said: “This is the dream I’ve been chasing for a very long time and anyone who knows me, knows how special this is.”
Johnston, who was on the extended bench for the past four games, said: “I want to rip in and show everyone I’m an Origin player.”
Kelleher said her dad had asked her if her first Origin camp had been everything she wanted.
“It’s everything I’ve dreamt of, and more,” she said.
All three games in the women’s series will be played this month, a fortnight apart, with Game Two at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium (15 May) and Game Three at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium (29 May).
