Blues coach John Strange has backed his winning line-up, naming the same squad of 17 for game two of the women’s State of Origin series that won the series opener in Brisbane last week.
Strange shook up the NSW side for game one, naming four debutants and a new-look spine, but the NSW mentor was vindicated after his team thrashed Queensland 32-12 at Suncorp Stadium.
The NSW and Roosters coach said he stuck with the same squad for game two at Allianz Stadium next Thursday because of the performance “of all 17 players”, not “necessarily the result”.
“They all had a job to do, that I asked them to do, and I felt like they did that,” Strange said. “As a coach, that’s all you can ask. Whether they win or not, if the players do what you ask, then I was really happy with that … The most impressive thing for me was the attitude that all 17 girls took out onto the field.
“They really respected each other, they respected the jersey, and then I also wanted them to have respect for the players that missed out on that jersey that they’ve got. And I feel like they did that really well.”
The only change to Strange’s side is to the extended squad of 20, with Kirra Dibb dropping out to make way for Roosters winger Brydie Parker.
It is unlikely that Parker will get a start in game two, but Strange said her adaptability made her the perfect reserve.
“Her versatility in camp – touch wood we don’t get any injuries or illnesses – but she’s played wing, centre, fullback, she’s actually played five-eighth for me as well,” Strange said.
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