Southwell embracing Newcastle return as Blues eye breakthrough win
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NSW halfback Jesse Southwell is embracing her return to Newcastle as the former Knight looks to orchestrate a historic Blues victory at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The 21-year-old led the Knights to two NRLW premierships before her shock departure for the Broncos at the end of last season and she's eager to taste more success in her hometown as NSW kick-off their defence of the Origin shield.
The Blues are chasing their first win at McDonald Jones Stadium in Thursday's series opener as they look to bury the demons of the past two years.
Southwell shines on home soil
Queensland halfback Lauren Brown stunned the Blues with a last-gasp field goal in 2024 before NSW's bid for a series clean sweep fell short in Game Three last season.
Game One is the only match in NSW this series and Southwell said it's vital her team makes a winning start before the focus shifts north of the border for the second and third games.
"It's really cool to return to Newcastle," Southwell told NRL.com. "It's a great ground and the crowd always turns out in Newcastle for any women's game.
"It's a three-game series but we want to win all three games, let alone just the first game.
"Everyone is super competitive in this side, everyone hates losing games we play at training let alone an actual game. We were all pretty disappointed to lose that last game last year but we learnt a lot. That's the best thing about football, you can make mistakes and learn from them so we're looking forward to this game."
Match: Blues Women v Maroons
Game 1 -
home Team
Blues Women
away Team
Maroons
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Southwell will link up with a new halves partner on Thursday night as Jocelyn Kelleher steps into the No.6 jersey for the first time.
The Roosters playmaker made her State of Origin debut as a bench utility during last year's series and the pair formed a brief halves partnership in the second half of a Game Two victory over the Maroons.
Southwell's relationship with Kelleher runs much deeper than that, however, with the duo playing Oztag together while transitioning into senior rugby league.
Both players have strong kicking and running games, with Southwell confident their playing styles will complement each other.
Southwell's superb showing
"We're both kickers so that adds to the way we want to play," Southwell said. "Jocelyn is an amazing ball runner and an awesome ball player as well.
"We played a bit of Oztag together growing up so it's been good to get back together again. It's still only new but what we have done together has been really cool."
NSW coach John Strange has largely named a settled squad for the series opener, with Tiana Penitani Gray's move to the back row the only shock for Thursday's side.
Utility Teagan Berry is the sole debutante in an experienced Blues team.
Queensland are in a vastly different position as new coach Nathan Cross looks to put his stamp on the squad.
Blues announce squad for Origin 2026
An ACL injury to Tarryn Aiken and Ali Brigginshaw's retirement from State of Origin will see Brown partner with debutante Chantay Kiria-Ratu in the halves.
Winger Phoenix-Raine Hippi, interchange forward Otesa Pule and centre Ivania Lolesio are also set for Queensland debuts, with Lolesio added to the 17 in Wednesday's 24-hour update.
As always, Queensland have embraced the underdog tag and placed the pressure on NSW to open the series with a win on their home turf.
While Southwell could be forgiven for feeling the weight of expectation in her return to Newcastle, Strange and Blues captain Isabelle Kelly have been thrilled with the way she has taken control of the team's attack during their time in camp.
"She's a weapon," Kelly told reporters in Newcastle. "I don't think she's thought too much about her return.
"She's a professional in everything she does, her prep, how she leads the team around. It's probably my favourite time of year being able to play with someone of her calibre."
Tickets to Game One of the Women's State of Origin series are selling fast. Get your tickets now to witness history live at McDonald Jones Stadium.
