Brisbane Broncos new recruit Lillian Yarrow will fulfil a lifelong dream after being named to make her State of Origin debut for Queensland in Game 3 of the women’s series.
Yarrow was called into the extended Maroon’s squad this year and has been part of the training camps since they began.
But the call-up into the side from coach Nathan Cross still came as a surprise for the young forward.
“I was speechless, and so overwhelmed with emotion that I just froze, and then I cried and rang my family,” she said.
“I grew up watching women like Chelsea Lenarduzzi and Tamika Upton, and now I get the chance to play alongside them.
I was once that little girl sitting at home watching and looking up to them, so it’s pretty special to think that young girls might now be doing the same with me.
Lillian Yarrow Origin Debutant
“It’s always been a dream of mine, and I really didn’t think it would come this soon.”
The 21-year-old Rockhampton product signed with the Broncos in October on a two-year deal after a consistent 2025 season with the Cowboys.
She comes into Queensland side on the bench, with fellow Broncos’ team mates Destiny Brill, Romy Teitzel, Brianna Clark and Jada Ferguson also named in the side.
Meanwhile, Julia Robinson and Tamika Upton have been ruled out of Game 3.
Robinson is managing an ongoing foot injury while Upton suffered a shoulder injury in Game 2.
Despite New South Wales already claiming the series victory - led by team mate and Blues halfback Jesse Southwell - Yarrow said she will do all she can to help avoid a series whitewash.
“I’ll just stick to my normal routine as much as possible and make sure I prepare well during the week,” she said.
It’s about recovering properly, training hard, and taking in as much advice as I can from the girls around me so I’m ready to go on Thursday.
Lillian Yarrow Origin Debutant
Kick off at Cbus Super Stadium on Thursday, May 28 is 7:45pm.
