Mixed performances leave Origin coaches with food for thought

State of Origin women's coaches Andrew Patmore and Jason Hetherington have plenty to think about ahead of selections for the June 21 clash in the wake of the Harvey Norman National Championships.

Both coaches were on deck at Pizzey Park over the weekend, watching their own players and analysing opponents leading into the standalone event at North Sydney Oval.

Neither Queensland side failed to reach the 2019 decider but played off for third spot in a curtain raiser for the final that was won by the NSW City team.

Incumbent Maroons captain Karina Brown made a successful return from injury earlier in the season, while Meg Ward, Ali Brigginshaw, Tazmin Gray and Annette Brander were all solid in their three games.

Along with hooker Brittany Breayley and fullback Chelsea Baker, the core group of Maroons incumbents are set to remain for the second clash under the Origin banner.

The centre pairing looms as the biggest talking point with Queensland Country's Stephanie Mooka impressing in her first representative tournament, while Indigenous All Stars centre Amber Pilley was solid without being brilliant. 

South East Queensland forward Tallisha Harden stepped up during her three performances with spots up for grabs in the starting Maroons pack following the loss of Maitua Feterika and Rona Peters to Origin ineligibility.

Veteran forwards Steph Hancock and Heather Ballinger were quiet during the campaign but their positions are unlikely to be under threat.

Lana Sheedy proved her worth in the final game as a utility, while Tarryn Aiken and Jenni Sue-Hoepper are options for Hetherington off the bench. 

For the Blues, Patmore could be faced with a few selection dilemmas ahead of naming his 17 with injuries and form to dictate the team.

Emerging winger Tiana Penitani has all but booked her spot for an Origin debut after being named player of the National Championships.

Other rookie players to also impress for selection included Shaylee Bent, Botille Vette-Welsh and Shakiah Tungai.

Corban McGregor is almost certain to fill the void left by Sam Bremner after impressing at fullback for City, while Maddie Studdon starred in the final. 

Another that looked a chance to be picked in the halves, Simone Smith, suffered a knee injury and looks set to miss Origin selection despite a strong opening round performance against the ADF.

Incumbent Blues centre Isabelle Kelly and forward Vanessa Foliaki missed the tournament but are expected to be available for the Origin clash.

The same applies for Maroons playmaker Zahara Temara, who was unavailable with a leg injury.