NSW Sky Blues have four changes for Origin Game Two in Townsville

Four changes to NSW Sky Blues for Game II

Author: NSWRL
Timestamp: Sat 10 Jun 2023, 08:00 AM

Harvey Norman NSW Sky Blues coach Kylie Hilder has made four changes to her 17-strong side for Game Two of the Ampol Women’s State of Origin to be played in Townsville on Thursday 22 June, including a new halves combination.

Newcastle’s Jesse Southwell will replace Rachael Pearson in the No.7 jersey, while Taliah Fuimaono will be the new No.6 – the position she plays for her Harvey Norman NSW Premiership club, the Illawarra Steelers.

The two other changes for the game at Queensland Country Bank Stadium are the return from injury for winger Tiana Penitani (hamstring) and middle forward Simaima Taufa (shoulder) replacing Brooke Anderson at lock.

Centre Isabelle Kelly, who suffered a badly swollen throat injury in Game One, has been named with Hilder set to give her every chance to prove her fitness to take her place on the Sky Blues’ left edge.

Hilder has also named North Sydney Bears utility back Cassey Tohi-Hiku as 18th player.

The Harvey Norman NSW Sky Blues will assemble at NSWRL’s Centre of Excellence on Thursday 15 June for their first training session, before flying to Townsville later that day.

HARVEY NORMAN NSW SKY BLUES TEAM

1. Emma Tonegato (Illawarra Steelers)

2. Jaime Chapman (Tweed Heads Seagulls)*

3. Jess Sergis (North Sydney Bears)

4. Isabelle Kelly (Central Coast Roosters)

5. Tiana Penitani (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)

6. Taliah Fuimaono (Illawarra Steelers)

7. Jesse Southwell (Newcastle Knights)

8. Kezie Apps (Illawarra Steelers)

9. Keeley Davis (Illawarra Steelers)

10. Millie Boyle (Central Coast Roosters)

11. Olivia Kernick (Central Coast Roosters)