Sharks stars Emma Tonegato, Tiana Penitani and Ellie Johnston have been named in the NSW Sky Blues squad for the opening women's State of Origin match at Suncorp Stadium on May 16.
In the historic first encounter of a newly expanded three-match series, Tonegato will line up at fullback with Penitani on the wing as the Sky Blues begin their mission to prise the shield away from their Queensland counterparts.
Prop Johnston has been included as a reserve player in the 20-woman squad.
The Cronulla trio were part of the NSW squad that lost a two-game series to the Maroons last season on aggregate points despite scoring one win apiece.
Tonegato was crowned the NSWRL Women's Origin Player of the Year for her efforts, including a monster display in Game 2 when she ran for 238m, broke 11 tackles and produced two offloads to inspire the Sky Blues to an 18-14 win.
Penitani missed Game 1 in 2023 with a hamstring injury but made an instant impact upon returning to the fold, scoring two tries.
The uncapped Johnston was the 18th player for NSW in last year's series opener.
Origin is set to be a springboard into the NRLW season for Tonegato, Penitani and Johnston, with the Sharks' first match against the Cowboys on July 27 taking place a month after the third interstate clash in Townsville.
All three were outstanding in Cronulla's inaugural NRLW campaign last year. Captain Penitani earned the club's Player of the Year award, edging out the likes of Tonegato who showed her versatility by transitioning into the halves.
Johnston, meanwhile, was the team's top try-scorer with six four-pointers.
The women's Origin honour roll is currently tied at three-all. NSW won the shield in 2018-19 and 2022, while Queensland triumphed in 2020, 2021 and 2023.
See the NSW Sky Blues team for Game 1 below.
Caitlan Johnston, who will join Cronulla in 2025, has been named in the front row.
WESTPAC NSW SKY BLUES
Game One, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane - Thursday 16 May
1. Emma Tonegato (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
2. Jaime Chapman (Gold Coast Titans)
3. Jessica Sergis (Sydney Roosters)
4. Isabelle Kelly (Sydney Roosters)
5. Tiana Penitani (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
6. Corban Baxter (Sydney Roosters)
7. Rachael Pearson (Parramatta Eels)
8. Millie Elliott (Sydney Roosters)
9. Olivia Higgins (Newcastle Knights)
10. Caitlan Johnston (Newcastle Knights)
11. Yasmin Clydsdale (Newcastle Knights)
12. Kezie Apps (Wests Tigers)
13. Keeley Davis (Sydney Roosters)
14. Taliah Fuimaono (Gold Coast Titans)
15. Olivia Kernick (Sydney Roosters)
16. Grace Kemp (Canberra Raiders)
17. Sarah Togatuki (Wests Tigers)
18. Jakiya Whitfeld (North Queensland Cowboys)
19. Kirra Dibb (North Queensland Cowboys)
20. Ellie Johnston (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
Coach: Kylie Hilder
