WOMEN'S STATE OF ORIGIN
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If Queensland's eight-year run of State of Origin dominance felt like an age to NSW then their female counterparts' 16 straight victories over NSW in the annual women's fixture must seem like an eternity.
Queensland will be looking to make it 17 consecutive wins in the women's interstate challenge that will serve as the curtain-raiser to the NRL clash between North Queensland and Cronulla in Townsville on Saturday. But Helensburgh star Kezie Apps says the pressure is on the home team to maintain their record.
"I think there's more pressure on them to hold on to that streak," Apps said. "It's only my second year, it's not like I've lost all 16 of them. There's a few girls who have lost a few years in a row now but for a lot of them it's their first game, so it's not a factor for them.
"We've got nothing to lose and hopefully we can come away with the win."
While the Queensland team is captained by Test skipper Steph Handcock and features 10 Jillaroos, NSW will take the field with eight rookies. It leaves an experience mismatch.
However, Apps believes the new additions including Indigenous All-Star Mahalia Murphy - who scored a hat-trick on Test debut in May - can give NSW a points-scoring edge.
"There's eight girls who are in their first year, so I feel like a bit of an old girl even though it's only my second year," Apps said.
"It's been a really good camp and we've gelled really well together. I think we've got a lot of experience in the forwards. We've got girls like Ruan Sims and Elianna [Walton] ... so we've got a strong pack and we've got really quick backs and a lot of speed out wide. I think if we can win the battle in the middle we can definitely get them out wide."
Apps will be facing a lot of Test teammates on Saturday but, as is customary in NSW v Queensland clashes, friendships will be put aside.
"Last year was one of my first rep games and it was a lot different to club level," she said.
"I was really excited for that but now going into it for a second time I know what I'm up against.
"Having played with some of the girls from the Queensland side I'm not as nervous as I was.
"I'm just really excited to get out there.
"We build strong friendships with the girls but come Saturday that'll all be put aside.
"Obviously we really want to win for the first time in 16 years.
"We'll go out there, play hard, hit hard run hard and hopefully come away with the win."
The Illawarra will have strong Blues representation including Helensburgh teammates Sam Hammond, Sims, Shani Sleeman and Corban McGregor, who'll join Apps and Corrimal's Jen Latu.