The NSW Blues camp has rallied around halfback Rachael Pearson, who is set to take to the field on Thursday night amid heartbreaking circumstances after the death of her grandfather.
Pearson’s grandfather, Barry, died after she entered the Blues State of Origin camp last week, but that won’t stop the 29-year-old from taking her place in the Blues side in the series opener.
“This is where he would want me to be. He really loved my sport and everything to do with my sporting career, not just rugby league, but cricket, touch and soccer,” she said.
READ MORE: State of Origin I ultimate guide
READ MORE: 2023 NSW Blues squad for Origin I
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READ MORE: What time will game one kick off?
“He was just a mad sports fanatic, heavily involved in the local cricket club. Sport is a massive thing for my family. One of the last conversations I had with him was about starting at Parramatta this season. It was always a conversation around sport, what I’m doing, how I’m going, or who I’m playing against.”
Pearson was full of praise for the support she’s received from her Blues teammates.
“They’ve really looked after me this week,” she said.
“Obviously coming into camp I was fairly upset on day one. Kezie (Apps) pulled us all into a circle and made sure that if one of us is hurting, we’re all hurting. We’re a family, sort of connected group, and each day someone will say, ‘How are you going’?”
“It’s just been nice having that, away from family at this tough time. They’re planning the funeral, but they’re all still coming up to support me on Thursday night.”
With the series opener just days away, here is everything you need to know.
When and where is the 2023 State of Origin series?
This year is the first time since women’s Origin was made official in 2018 that there will be multiple matches, with the series getting underway in Sydney.
Origin I: Thursday, June 1, kick-off time 7.45pm AEST, CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Origin II: Thursday, June 22, kick-off time 7.45pm AEST, Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
What happens if the series is drawn?
In the event that the series is tied 1-1 after the two games, the winner will be decided by whoever has the higher aggregate score.
While New South Wales comes into the series as the reigning champions, Queensland could still win the series if it has the higher aggregate score with a 1-1 draw.
How can I get tickets to game one?
Tickets for game one and the entire series can be purchased through the NRL’s authorised ticketing partner Ticketek here.
Game one tickets start from $10.
How can I watch game one?
Game one and the entire series will be live on Nine.
Coverage for game one will start at 7.30pm (AEST) and wrap up with a post-game show until 10pm. You can also stream the match live and free on 9Now.
You can also follow the action with Wide World of Sports’ match centre and live blog, featuring expert opinions and live reactions from Nine’s rugby league commentators.
How long do women’s Origin matches go for?
The women’s State of Origin matches are played for 70 minutes, split into two 35-minute halves.
Extra time will be played if scores are level after the 70 minutes, while Golden Point will apply if scores remain tied after the extra time period.
2022 Women’s State of Origin Highlights: NSW v QLD
Who won State of Origin in 2022?
Last year’s one-off Origin contest was won 20-14 by New South Wales.
Emma Tonegato, Kirra Dibb and Isabelle Kelly scored tries for the Blues, while Destiny Brill, Tarryn Aiken and Evania Pelite hit the scoreboard for the Maroons.
Kelly won the Nellie Doherty Medal for best on ground.
What are the teams for Origin I?
Blues: 1. Emme Tonegato, 2. Jaime Chapman, 3. Jessica Sergis, 4. Isabelle Kelly (C), 5. Tiana Penitani, 6. Jesse Southwell, 7. Rachael Pearson, 8. Kezie Apps, 9. Keeley Davis, 10. Millie Boyle, 11. Olivia Kernick, 12. Yasmin Clydsdale, 13. Kennedy Cherrington | 14. Taliah Fuimaono, 15. Sarah Togatuki, 16. Brooke Anderson, 17. Shaylee Bent | 18. Ellie Johnston
Coach: Kylie Hilder
Maroons: 1. Tamika Upton, 2. Julia Robinson, 3. Shenae Ciesiolka, 4. Evania Pelite, 5. Emily Bass, 6. Tarryn Aiken, 7. Zahara Temara, 8. Shannon Mato, 9. Destiny Brill, 10. Keilee Joseph, 11. Tazmin Gray, 12. Shaniah Power, 13. Ali Brigginshaw (C) | 14. Emma Manzelmann, 15. Jessika Elliston, 16. Sophie Holyman, 17. Romy Teitzel | 18. China Polata
Coach: Tahnee Norris
Who is officiating Origin I?
Adam Gee will be the main referee for the series opener, with Dave Munro and Belinda Sharpe the touch judges. Kasey Badger has been named the senior review official.
What is the State of Origin history?
New South Wales currently leads Queensland 3-2 since the inception of women’s Origin in 2018 after last year’s win. Here’s how the results have gone each year.
2022: NSW 20-14 QLD
2021: QLD 8-6 NSW
2020: QLD 24-18 NSW
2019: NSW 14-4 QLD
2018: NSW 16-10 QLD
What is the weather forecast?
It’s shaping up as a beautiful evening to play football ahead of the Origin opener.
Sydney is expected to have a top of 23 and a low of 13 on Thursday. Winds will be 15-20 km/h during the day before becoming light during the afternoon.
What are the odds for game one?
New South Wales is the raging favourite to go back-to-back this year, according to SportsBet.
The Blues are currently paying $1.45 for the win, while Queensland is a $2.75 outsider.
Blues stars Jaime Chapman ($10.50), Isabelle Kelly ($11.00), Emma Tonegato ($11.50) and Tiana Penitani ($11.50) are all expected to hit the scoreboard first before a Maroons player does, with Emily Bass and Tamika Upton ($13.00) rated the Maroons’ best chances of being the first tryscorer.
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