Shift to State of Origin helps raise profile of women's rugby league | Kate O'Halloran

Interstate Challenge rebrands but Blues vice-captain Elianna Walton says it’s always been Origin to herNSW vice-captain Elianna Walton remembers clearly her first introduction to rugby league. At 15, she watched on as her mother captained the Brothers Holy Spirit side in Brisbane. Weekend sport was a family affair: one of her aunties was also the coach of the Brothers, while Aunty Mary played for the opposition. This particular week, her mum’s side were short on numbers, so Elianna stepped up to fill in. As soon as she was subbed onto the ground, someone made a quick break down the sidelines. Related: Maddison Studdon to lead NSW in women's State of Origin with Ruan Sims injured Related: Kalyn Ponga a case study in what makes an Origin player | Matt Cleary Continue readingread full article

Source: TheGuardian

---