Westpac NSW Sky Blues co-captain Kezie Apps has 12 jerseys in her possession from the 11 years she has represented her state.
She will collect #13 tonight at McDonald Jones Stadium, when she and fellow captain Isabelle Kelly lead out the NSW team for Game Two of the Ampol Women's State of Origin.
“I’ve made sure I’ve kept all the jerseys I’ve played in, especially early in my career when we only got the one jersey – it was our training and game-day jersey,” Apps said.
“It’s only been recently that we’ve been given not only game-day jerseys to keep but a second jersey to keep as a momento. They are all very much valued by me.”
Apps is a living, walking, talking piece of NSW women’s history.
She began back in 2014 when the annual NSW-QLD clash was known as the Interstate Challenge.
She has been a constant in the NSW side when the game was re-branded State of Origin in 2018.
Then she was part of history in the two-game series in 2023, becoming the most-capped NSW player (11) surpassing Eliana Walton.
She’s making history again – leading the Sky Blues for the inaugural three-game series, and being part of the first men’s or women’s Origin game to be played in Newcastle.
“I feel like for every one of the 11 years I’ve been playing there’s been a lot of firsts and that’s great for women’s sport, especially Rugby League,” Apps told nswrl.com.au
“To still be involved in NSW and still be able to wear this jersey and be part of the very first three-game series is very special.
“I still pinch myself I am among these amazing athletes, amazing humans to be honest, after all these years.
“When I think back to my first NSW game in 2014 to now in 2024 … to see that growth, that popularity, that respect, for us to have a sell-out crowd in Newcastle blows my mind.
“Way back I didn’t think women would ever get to play State of Origin, let alone a three-game series.”
Game Three of the 2024 series will be at Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Thursday 27 June.
