“We all stuck together and somehow, I don’t know how, but the Queenslanders all just showed up defensively and you just think - wow - how does this work, but yeah I think that all changed when all those girls retired and we had to rebuild and then obviously the NSW pathways - NSW started giving a shit about women’s footy and you can see now that it’s worked, so it’s great that it’s finally like you’re (NSW) not going out they’re getting flogged.

“It’s a close game, last year wasn’t that flash (from a Qld perspective), but you know Friday night’s going to be a blockbuster," Hancock said.

 

@annettebrander @ali_brigg 🙈🙉🙊

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Queensland may be underdogs for this match, but Hancock feels with former Origin greats in Jason Hetherington, as the new coach, and the “Axe” Trevor Gilmeister, recruited as defensive coach, along with his running of the water with his old origin buddy Alfie Langer will help the Queensland women’s cause and even the ledger.

Some of the women’s legends in Murphy and Norris are also on the coaching staff and Jo Barrett is the team manager and in this area, Queensland are still at the forefront in welcoming retired players back into the fold.

Imagine the scenario in this new era of women’s rugby league - the first true women’s state of origin ever - there may yet be a fairytale legend born in the 1980 Arthur Beetson mould in two sleeps time?

Who and which team will it be? It’s there for the taking and we’ll find out on Friday night.