'They are doing it tough': How Blues aim to bring cheer to flood victims

Yasmin Clydsdale hopes a busload of students from the school in Scone where she teaches will help create a new Women’s Origin attendance record as the Westpac NSW Blues aim to bring a smile to those affected by the state’s devastating floods.

The Blues have the chance to become the first women’s team to complete a 3-0 series clean sweep but with the Origin finale being played at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium they are playing for more than a shot at history.

“It’s been pretty scary,” said Clydsdale, who has a farm at Rouchel, near Scone, in the Hunter Valley with her husband, Adam. “We couldn't even get to our cattle because the creek was up so high, so we couldn't cross.

“It's so hard. When we need rain, we get a lot of it. Hopefully people are doing okay.”

NSW prop Ellie Johnston is from Coomba Park, near Forster, on the mid-north coast and she said her family were among those fortunate not to be impacted by the floods.

However, with the record rainfall causing death and destruction in the Hunter Valley and mid-north coast, Johnston hopes State of Origin can provide a reprieve for those dealing with the aftermath of the floods.

“Newcastle is a great stadium for country footy and for a lot of people from up north in Tamworth, Port Macquarie, Taree and Coffs Harbour, it’s their only chance to come and see a big game,” Johnston said.

“It would be a very nice distraction, and I hope people aren’t too badly affected and can get to the game. The Newcastle area is well known for their support, so I think we are going to get a huge crowd.”

Local hero Jesse Southwell, the 20-year-old halfback who steered NSW to 32-12 and 26-6 wins over Queensland in Origin I and Origin II, said the Blues wanted to give fans in areas hit by flooding something to cheer about.

“I think the community will find this as a bit of reprieve and something else to think about,” Southwell said. “No matter what they are going through I think that they always fall back on their sport and supporting their local teams and local people.

“Hopefully it will be a bit of reprieve for them. They are doing it tough in some of the rural towns around the state, so hopefully we can get the job done for them.”

Southwell, Johnston and Clydsdale will have each have a large contingent of family and friends in attendance but with the Knights international also being a teacher she is likely to bring additional support.

Clydsdale has taken leave from her job at Scone Grammar to focus on Origin and the upcoming NRLW season but students from the school are set to make the trip to Newcastle to support her.

"Scone’s a pretty big rugby league town, so I definitely know there'll be a lot of people coming to watch," Clydsdale said.

"It's exciting to play in front of your home fans, family and friends, and I know we will get a big crowd."