After two phenomenal performances, Cronulla's NSW Blues Women trio look towards Thursday night in hopes of securing a clean sweep against the Queensland Maroons in Newcastle.
While Sharks veterans Tiana Penitani Gray and Emma Verran are experienced on the biggest stage, prop Ellie Johnston made her long-awaited Origin debut in the 2025 series opener.
Having been selected for the 2023 and 2024 extended squads, Johnston was determined to become a top contender for this year's series.
"I've been working for the last two years and I've worked so hard during the off-season and in the six-week preseason," Johnston told sharks.com.au.
"Strangey (NSW coach John Strange) gave me the opportunity and I wanted to take that opportunity with two hands and get the win and that's what we've done."
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From the field: Ellie Johnston
Johnston attributed a large chunk of her Origin success to her club environment.
"Massive – that's why I came to the Sharks and to be coached by Tony (Herman), he's taken my game to another level and he's given me these opportunities to make it to that level," Johnston continued.
Verran believes having four players in the Origin arena – playmaker Georgia Hannaway has been selected to debut off the interchange for Queensland at McDonald Jones Stadium – is a fitting reward for Cronulla's consistency.
"I think it's awesome – it shows that we're producing high-quality players and we have girls that are really professional and striving to reach that pinnacle of rugby league," said Verran, who has played a bench dummy-half role for NSW.
Johnston's Sharks teammates Penitani Gray and Verran were beyond proud of the powerful front-rower as they took the field together on May 1.
Johnston crossed the line on debut thanks to a Cronulla connection.
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Ellie Johnston Try
"I was actually at hooker and passed her the ball when she went over," Verran said.
"I could see her eyeballing me and I eyeballed her back and I knew she was going to crash over."
Sharks captain Penitani Gray was humbled to record her 10th appearance for NSW in game two this year, describing it as a privilege to be selected.
"I think this game keeps getting stronger and stronger each year and having a look at our squad of 30, it's the most competitive we've ever been, so to be named in the 17 again was such a huge honour," the versatile back said.
Penitani Gray also showed support for Maroons rookie Hannaway, who she will come up against this week.
"'G' has been one of my favourite players to watch come through the ranks and come through our system," she said.
"We've always known how talented she is and for her to finally get this recognition and get an Origin debut is so deserving for her."
