With the announcement earlier today that Tiana Penitani would play for the NRLW Sharks in 2023, the Cronulla club will now have three Sky Blues, plus two more named on the extended bench, taking on Queensland in game one of the Women’s State of Origin series.
Penitani was joined in camp today by Sharks teammates Emma Tonegato, Brooke Anderson, Ellie Johnston and Quincy Dodd as the Blues kickoff preparations for their clash with Queensland at CommBank Stadium next Thursday night.
For Penitani and Tonegato, the Origin arena will be a familiar one, however the inclusion of Anderson for what will be her debut match for the Sky Blues is a reward for her consistent efforts for the Sharks throughout the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership, as well as her standout performance in the recent NSW City v Country match.
Johnston, number 18 for NSW, was also recognised for her outstanding HNWP season with inclusion in the extended Blues squad, while Dodd is a proven performer at a representative level.
The five Origin reps will miss day one of the Sharks NRLW pre-season training on Monday but are expected to join the squad following their NSW commitments.
Game two of the Women’s Origin series is scheduled for Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville on June 22.
CLICK HERE for the two Women’s Origin squads
