While both teams have undergone big changes for the series opener, Tarryn Aiken is hoping Queensland’s combination in the spine will see them once again get over the line against the Blues.
The reigning Golden Boot winner following an outstanding Pacific Championships campaign which she then backed up for the Jillaroos in Las Vegas earlier this year; Aiken’s partnership with co-captain Ali Brigginshaw in the halves has proven to be a successful one over many years.
2024 Golden Boot Winner: Tarryn Aiken
Aiken credited the veteran’s skills for helping bring out the best in her own game having first played with her at the Broncos, before combing in the representative arena for Australia and the Maroons.
“We have played a lot of footy together over the years, especially with Loz [Lauren Brown] and Meeks [Tamika Upton] there as well, so we're just building our combinations, which we've had for a fair few years now,” Aiken said.
“I think we know each other's strengths well and I think we just let each other play to our strengths.
“She definitely organises and kicks us around the park and just sort of frees me and Meeks up a lot to just do what we see in front of us and play our footy.”
Now preparing for her ninth game for the Maroons after making her debut alongside Upton in 2020, Aiken said she felt like more of a leader, sharing advice for rookies Rory Owen ahead of their debuts.
“It's really exciting (to have the new faces in the squad), I think the young girls bring a lot of energy to the group,” Aiken said.
“They're all really excited to be here and they've obviously got a good opportunity ahead.
“I think it's just about getting around them, making sure they're ready. There’s just a lot of excitement among the group.”
Player of the match in last year’s grand final triumph with the Roosters, Aiken said it would be a different dynamic to play against her club coach John Strange, some who has also played a big role in unlocking her abilities as a playmaker.
Conversely, Aiken has also played her part in the development of Roosters and Blues utility Jocelyn Kelleher, who has been named to make her Origin debut from the bench.
“I guess that's just the spirit of State of Origin, it's mate versus mate,” Aiken said.
“It’s obviously a bit different playing against them, but at the end of the day, I think that's just what the game's about.
“I guess I'll be going up against them in a Queensland jersey! So it's exciting and it's a different sort of challenge, but I'm looking forward to it.
“It's definitely a different dynamic (to play against your club coach), but I will just take it more as a personal challenge.”
Match: Maroons v Blues Women
Game 1 -
home Team
Maroons
away Team
Blues Women
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
