“It would probably be on par with [the World Cup], actually. The first year I played [for Queensland] was a draw," Brander said.

"Even though we didn’t lose it wasn’t the win that we wanted.

“For me, it would be a massive thing, and I think for all of us it would be a really proud moment to finally have the trophy back.”

Veteran Queensland prop Heather Ballinger stressed the need for her side to control the ruck area if they are to snap NSW’s reign and win the game.

“We know that [the Blues] are going to come out hard and fast, especially up the middle,” she said. “We’ve just got to defend that as much as we can.”

Ballinger – a marquee Brisbane Broncos signing for the upcoming NRL Women’s competition – said the onus is on the Maroons’ forward pack to roll ahead and create space for their exciting backline.

“Obviously we set the platform for our outside backs. So, if we can’t control the middle, we’re not giving our backs the best opportunities,” she said.

Though she’s champing at the bit to get another shot at the Blues, the Australian representative isn’t treating this match differently than any other during her storied career.

“In a way it’s business like usual, but at the same time we want to win back that trophy and not let NSW continue with its winning streak … It gives you more desire to go out there and give it everything,” Ballinger said.

“To me, it’s a game of patience and I think we have that as Queenslanders, not to force things. Results will come off the end of that.

“A win’s a win. It’d be great. It’s just like any other game.”