Margie McDonald
The Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Origin team held their first training session at NSWRL Centre of Excellence on Sunday 9 June as the build-up begins for the second Holden Women's State of Origin game.
Head coach Andrew Patmore and assistant Milton Dymock put the 18 members of the women's Origin team through two hours of drills, sets, contact work and finished off with an opposed session against the NSW Under-18s women.
The NSW Under-18s face a Queensland Under-18s as the curtain-raiser to the WSOO at North Sydney Oval on Friday 21 June.
Patmore names his side on Saturday 8 June and 24 hours later watched them go through their paces, with a feeling of vindication about the seven debutants he has picked for the 2019 team to face the Queensland Maroons.
He also has a new captain in Dragons NRLW backrower Kezie Apps.
"They are very athletic, great bunch of talkers, and the skill was very good seeing it was their first time together – no sign of any nerves," Patmore told NSWRL.com.
And ridding themselves of all the novelty and euphoria of Origin selection is partly what Patmore wants to happen before the players head into camp on Sunday 16 June at Sydney Olympic Park.
"Today was really good because it gets a few of those little bugs out and also gets the excitement out, so by next week they are ready to go to work," Patmore said.
"Today we spoke about being a bit selfish with everything from their time, diet, training so they're ready to go at the end of next week.
"They need to look after themselves, rest up, and be ready."
As for the Queensland team named last Thursday, which includes four debutants, Patmore has plenty of respect for coach Jason Hetherington's choices.
"Their outside backs are big and athletic too. They'll be ready to go," Patmore said.
"And they are going to be up. There is a lot of history in that team and they also lost last year.
"Their passion will be outstanding but we also want to win this game."
