Vette-Welsh ready for No.1 shot after defying odds with hamstring return

Botille Vette-Welsh's shock return from a hamstring injury for the NRLW grand final was enough to convince coach Andy Patmore she's ready to be the next NSW fullback.

Vette-Welsh risked her spot in the Blues side by defying the odds and getting back in time for the Roosters' shot at the title – just three weeks after suffering a grade two hamstring strain.

While a grand final appearance with the Roosters was the first thing on her mind, any reoccurrence of the injury would've jeopardised her chances of pulling on the NSW jersey.

"It was tougher mentally because I felt like my body was ready but the physios and everyone else were ruling me out," Vette-Welsh told NRL.com.

"I wished I was a little bit faster but had no issues, no pain. Once I got past the 15-minute mark, mentally, I knew I was all good.

"It was the first time I've actually followed all the rehab instructions to get back in time. I was at physio every chance I could. I went to a chiropractor and orthopedic surgeon – just doing anything that could help me."

After coming off the bench for NSW in a 41-minute stint in last year's clash, Vette-Welsh is set to become a vital cog in a new-look Origin spine.

Last year's fullback, Corban McGregor, is expected to move to five-eighth alongside Mel Howard after Patmore dropped Maddie Studdon and Kirra Dibb for this year's campaign.

The withdrawal of Sam Bremner for family reasons has allowed Vette-Welsh to get a clear shot at starting in the No.1 jersey against an in-form Queensland side.

"We've got two weeks of being locked up on the Sunshine Coast which will give the girls a bit more time to get things right," Vette-Welsh said.

"Playing with Mel and Corban at the Roosters, and Keeley last year at the Dragons, will make it a bit easier with a couple of combinations already there.

"I just want to be able to build on the last game and go in with plenty of confidence."

As for playing in enemy territory for the first time in her career, Vette-Welsh relished the opportunity to get out of the state.

"With all the restrictions, it will be nice to just hop on a plane," she said.

"We know Queensland will be a different side up there and they'll love the chance to play in their own backyard. A lot of those girls are from the Broncos and have been dangerous all year.

"Tamika Upton has been killing it and they've got the combinations there already so we'll have to make the most of our opportunities."