Maroons confident Brigginshaw will overcome injury scare
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Queensland remain confident captain Ali Brigginshaw will play in Friday night's Holden State of Origin clash at North Sydney Oval despite picking up an ankle injury before the team flew to Sydney.
Brigginshaw failed to attend a media opportunity on Thursday in a bid to work around the clock and rehabilitate the setback but experienced hooker Brittany Breayley was confident her Maroons teammate would take her place in the side.
The Maroons will train at North Sydney Oval on Thursday afternoon with Brigginshaw set to be given until kick-off to prove her fitness.
"Our last training session Ali sprained her ankle but the coaches have given her every chance to play and it will be up to them if she takes her position," Breayley said.
"The physio is looking after her and she's been up all night icing it and trying to do everything to get on the field.
"She's tough, she'll play. I play club footy, Queensland, Australia and the Broncos with her. She plays with pride and passion in every jersey she wears.
"Given if she's able to play on Friday night she will bring that wealth and experience to the team."
Women's State of Origin
Queensland have called in Broncos utility Lavinia Gould as 19th player.
Coach Jason Hetherington has several options to work with should Brigginshaw be ruled out with former rugby sevens convert Amy Turner named on the bench, while Rona Peters is also capable of moving into a playmaker role.
NSW captain Kezie Apps was having none of Queensland's "mind games" ahead of the clash when told of Brigginshaw's scare.
"She won't let an ankle injury stop her from playing," Apps said.
"She'd play with it broken. It's probably not even an ankle injury and they're just making us think that. We're not worried."
Match: NSW Women v QLD Maroons
Round 1 -
home Team
Sky Blues
away Team
Maroons
Venue: North Sydney Oval, Sydney
The Blues have won the past three interstate clashes against Queensland but the Maroons hold a 17-3 record overall.
NSW won the first under the official State of Origin banner 16-10 in the corresponding game last year.
There were initially fears the game would be dampened by inclement weather but Friday's forecast is expected to be a clear night.
"It was so dewy last year so we'll expect it again this year," Apps said.
"We've been training at night to get used to it and it's practically rained every time this week so we're prepared well."
