Bega’s Kezie Apps will have a say in whether NSW can shut down Queensland’s dominant streak in the women’s equivalent to State of Origin.
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Queensland has enjoyed a stranglehold over the women’s Interstate Challenge, scoring 16 consecutive wins to 2014 and retaining the shield with a 4-4 draw last year.
“It’s a different feeling coming into an Origin camp,” Apps said after the selection.
“The culture that has been building has just gotten stronger, and we are all on the same page wanting to end this 17 year streak by Queensland.”
Apps was one of nine Jillaroos named in the NSW Blues line-up from a preliminary training squad of 35. However, she will also face nine of her Australian team-mates in the Queensland roster.
Former State of Origin prop and ex Group 16 player Ben Cross has been coaching the NSW side for a few months after a 35-woman preliminary line-up was named.
“It’s my first time working with Ben and he has been fantastic,” Apps said. “He is 100 per cent committed to growing us as individuals and as a team.”
As national level players, everyone is already at peak fitness so Cross has been drilling down on team structure and skills.
Months of training could see NSW having the best shot yet at knocking the Maroons off the pedestal with a great atmosphere in the Blues’ camp.
“Over the last couple of months we have gelled so well,” Apps said.
“It’s exciting to play alongside these talented athletes and for them to showcase what women’s rugby league is all about.”
Though, facing nine of her own team-mates, it’s easy to imagine Queensland could be able to telegraph Apps’ moves, but she doesn’t aim to meddle with her play-style.
“I won’t be changing my style of footy, when I’m on the field I try not to think too much, I just let the play come naturally and the next thing you know 80 minutes is up,” she said with a laugh.
The Bega and Helensburgh second-rower is fending off a few niggles, but feels ready for the challenge and will be out to put on some of her trademark barn-storming carries.
“I work at United Fitness Studio in North Bega which has been amazing, [owner] Shaun Ruzicka has been guiding me with training and eating so I can be in the best form for this weekend,” Apps said.
The Women’s Interstate Challenge will run as part of a triple-header at CBUS Super Stadium on the Gold Coast in conjunction with the Holden Cup and NRL rounds between the Gold Coast Titans and Parramatta Eels.
Live streams will run on NRL.com with the women’s game to kick off at 3pm and a replay will be shown on Fox Sports on Sunday.