NSW are preparing for a new-look Queensland team that presents an "exciting challenge" as they take advantage of recently relaxed State of Origin eligibility rules under their new head coach.
Nathan Cross takes the Maroons women's reins for the first time in game one on Thursday night in Newcastle and brings in five new faces to the squad, as well as recalling New Zealand international Brianna Clark.
Clark, who won the 2021 series, and debutante Otesa Pule were ineligible having played for the Kiwi Ferns.
But back in February, the NRL announced that whoever meets the selection criteria, regardless of their international allegiance, can play.
It's a change that Queensland have capitalised on and one which has their rivals wary.
"They've got a couple of the girls that with this new eligibility rule with the the Kiwis being able to play Origin now, they've picked up a couple of front-rowers and that'll strengthen their middle," said Blues coach John Strange.
NSW captain Isabelle Kelly added: "It's really exciting to come up against a new, fresh face of Queenslanders.
"I think they've recruited really well. They've obviously got a few girls that have now come from the Kiwis with the new rule that they've switched."
The Blues have just two debutantes in their squad, the speedy Teagan Berry on the bench and enforcer Rima Butler in the extended squad.
Butler has represent the Maori All-Stars, but is committed to and has played for Australia on the international stage.
The Maroons' five debutantes included Pule, Phoenix-Raine Hippi, Ivana Lolesio, Destiny Mino-Sinapati and Chantay Kiria-Ratu, one of the strike players the Blues have sounded out to keep an eye on.
"They've got Chantay Kiria-Ratu coming in and debuting at five-eighth and she's had a really good season for the Sharks last year in the NRLW," said Strange, who also coaches the Sydney Roosters.
"It's a really good side, really well balanced. If you look at even their bench is a really strong bench.
"If I take myself away from coaching against them, I'm looking at their side and it's a really exciting team, as is ours, and I just think it's going to be a great game of rugby league."
The Blues are raring to go on a dry and fast McDonald Jones Stadium surface.
"What that'll mean is it's going to be a really good open game of rugby league," added Strange.
"Whatever the conditions are, it'll hamper or suit both sides because they've got strike as do we."
Kelly says everyone has impressed during the training window, but Queensland have been warned to look out for two players in particular.
"I'll have to give Tiana (second-rower Penitani-Gray) a shoutout, learning a new position and absolutely dominating in training," NSW centre Kelly said.
"We've got 'Flash', Teagan Berry, who's also come in, who I'm just so excited for her to debut."
But the Blues' coach was also quick to credit his skipper.
"She's a really good communicator, but it's more through her actions," Strange said.
"Whenever things get hard in any game of rugby league she's the first one to put her hand up and she usually drags the rest of her teammates through her actions."
