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Blues Women not ready for Pelite: Maroons

3 minute read

Queensland captain Ali Brigginshaw says NSW may not be ready for dynamic centre Evania Pelite ahead of the Women's State of Origin in Canberra on Friday night.

NSW may not be ready for what Olympic gold medallist Evania Pelite brings to Friday night's Women's State of Origin clash, says Queensland captain Ali Brigginshaw.

Pelite, who's the NRLW's best tackle-breaking player this season at six per game, is part of an all-new right-hand side for the Maroons, joined by fellow debutant Emily Bass.

Winger Bass scored four tries in five games during her debut NRLW season and teaming with centre Pelite, who gave the Gold Coast 140m and 40m post-contact a game this campaign, makes for a scary combination.

But it was Pelite, whom her skipper said the Blues should fear most.

"Every time she trains she's such an athlete and she's just gonna bring so much to the game," Brigginshaw said.

"I don't know if they're ready for that.

"Vani' is an athlete and 'Bassy' has been on the stage before so we've just got to make them feel as comfortable as they can throughout the week.

"In the end it's their game, they're in here for a reason and they deserve their spots."

The Maroons are gunning for a third consecutive win in the one-game Origin format before the series shifts to two games next year.

Brigginshaw said her side expected more punch from the Blues than in their 8-6 win last year, particularly with Blues' assistant coach and NRL premiership-winner Jamie Soward on board, not to mention gun fullback Emma Tonegato in the side.

"Last year was one of the hardest games we've ever played," she said.

"Having Jamie Soward there, they're gonna up their attack and throw out some trick shots there with Emma Tonegato so we've got to be on our game.

"But it's all about us coming together as a team and what we can control ... they can throw everything at us but we're stepping up to the next level."

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