Dragons speedster Teagan Berry is set to make her State of Origin debut for NSW in next week's series opener in Newcastle, while vice-captain Tiana Penitani Gray has been named in the second row.
Westpac NSW Blues coach John Strange has selected 14 players from the team which claimed last year’s Ampol Women’s State of Origin series in his squad to face Queensland on April 30 at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The new faces include debutant Berry, who has been named on the bench, and former Jillaroos prop Millie Elliott, who returns after having a baby.
Sydney Roosters prop Rima Butler, who is in the extended 20-player squad, is also yet to play Origin.
The squad was unveiled by NSWRL Chair Carolyn Campbell at the Sydney Opera House with Strange, captain Isabelle Kelly and the squad all in attendance before heading into camp at Sydney Olympic Park.
Origin pathways graduate: Rilee Jorgensen
Other changes include Roosters utility Jocelyn Kelleher being named at five-eighth in place of Penitani Gray, with the Sharks captain moving to the back row alongside Yasmin Meakes and lock Olivia Kernick.
Jillaroos captain Kezie Apps was named on the interchange, alongside Berry, Eels forward Kennedy Cherrington and Knights hooker Olivia Higgins.
“I’m really excited about the squad that we’ve named, it’s a very well-balanced team from 1-17,” Strange said.
“The six-week training block was very enjoyable and bringing the players and staff together gave them a great opportunity to connect both on and off the field.
"I’m looking forward to camp starting and can’t wait to get to work to defend the Shield.”
Westpac NSW Blues squad
Coach: John Strange
1. Abbi Church (Parramatta Eels)
2. Jaime Chapman (Gold Coast Titans)
3. Jess Sergis (Sydney Roosters)
4. Isabelle Kelly (Sydney Roosters)
5. Jayme Fressard (Sydney Roosters)
6. Jocelyn Kelleher (Sydney Roosters)
7. Jesse Southwell (Brisbane Broncos)
8. Millie Elliott (Sydney Roosters)
9. Keeley Nizza (Sydney Roosters)
10. Ellie Johnston (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
11. Tiana Penitani Gray (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
12. Yasmin Meakes (Newcastle Knights)
13. Olivia Kernick (Sydney Roosters)
14. Olivia Higgins (Newcastle Knights)
15. Kennedy Cherrington (Parramatta Eels)
16. Kezie Apps (Wests Tigers)
17. Teagan Berry* (St George Illawarra Dragons)
18. Corban Baxter (Sydney Roosters)
19. Rima Butler* (Sydney Roosters)
20. Quincy Dodd (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
*Denotes yet to play for NSW
