Feels like home: Apps relishing return to familiar role
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Kezie Apps has declared she is ready to pivot to a more familiar role as she prepares to return to the back-row for Game Two of the Women's State of Origin series.
The Blues' most experienced player spent the pre-season preparing for a positional switch and came off the bench in the front row in her side's victory over Queensland in Newcastle.
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Apps relished the new challenge and made a big impact for NSW, helping swing the game when she was injected into the contest in the 19th minute.
The 35-year-old was preparing to build on that performance when the series switches north to Brisbane next Thursday before receiving a phone call from coach John Strange.
"I loved coming off the bench," Apps said. "I was nervous because it's a new role for me. It's something I'm not used to because I've played back row for a lot of my career and I love playing in the back row.
"When Strangey called me up and said 'this is what I'm thinking, this is where I want you to play', I said 'yes, I'll play anywhere' and I had all week to prepare for it.
"When he phoned me the other day, I was ready to say I can't wait to get back into camp, give it another crack and be better than I was. But he told me unfortunately [Tiana Penitani Gray] had injured herself and I'm going to be playing back row."
Match: Maroons v Blues Women
Game 2 -
home Team
Maroons
away Team
Blues Women
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Penitani Gray's status for the third match of the series remains uncertain, with the versatile talent pushing to overcome a knee injury before the clash at Cbus Super Stadium.
Apps' promotion to the starting side has seen Rima Butler come on to the bench for a State of Origin debut, with Hannah Southwell added to the extended squad.
NSW have won both women's Origin games played at Suncorp Stadium and they have their sights on a third to secure a second-straight series victory.
The match will kick off the NRL's Magic Round Weekend, with all eight games of Round 11 to be played across a bumper three days at the Brisbane ground.
NSW Blues v QLD Maroons - Game I, 2026
Apps has long been one of the game's most dominant back-rowers, a physical ball carrier and staunch defender who also boasts elite footwork and ball skills.
It's those attributes that have seen her captain Australia and NSW, winning two World Cups and multiple State of Origin series throughout her career.
So while she relished the chance to tackle a new challenge this year, she has no doubts about her ability to slot straight back into the second row at Suncorp Stadium next Thursday night.
"I was looking forward to working on playing in the middle but I'm also happy to be back in the back row," Apps said. "I've watched the game back and seen how amazing T was in that role. She was incredible with what she did so sending her a speedy recovery.
"I'm super excited, I can start and hopefully punch out a full game. I love the back row, it's something I've worked really hard at and something I feel comfortable in so I can't wait to rip in at training and play next Thursday."
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