A bus filled with 19 excited Stockton Sharks girls is set to roll into Sydney tonight to watch the 2023 Women's State of Origin at CommBank Stadium.
NSW Blues star Millie Boyle secured tickets for the U13 girls team, after making a surprise visit to their training session on Thursday, May 25 at Lynn Oval.
While 18 of the players will be cheering on the Sky Blues, Ella Robinson is the only Queensland supporter on the trip.
Team mate Adana Bell, 12, joked they were going to wait for the bus to stop so they could eject the only Maroons supporter.
First time footy player Charlie Hafey, 11, said she was excited to experience women's Origin with her team.
"Going to the women's state of origin is just an awesome experience for us as a team," she said.
"It's great to be able to do this with the girls, they've all been so supportive and welcoming of me joining this year."
Three of the girls have been to origin before but only the men's matches.
Coach's daughter Maddie O'Sullivan is a women's Knights fan through and through, and was thankful to Boyle for the invitation and opportunity.
"I think the men's professional games are probably rougher than the women's, but I honestly think the women are more skillful. We're all really excited to be going to Origin to see such a high level game," she said.
Tahlia Gleeson, 12, has been playing the game for five years and was looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere in Sydney tonight.
"Getting to go to the state of origin as a team is the best. I think the women's games are better than the men's to be honest. I love the skill level, it's fast and really great to watch," she said.
Stockton Sharks manager Jay Bell thanked Westpac for making the trip to Origin possible.
"The whole team are stoked to be watching Origin in person and this opportunity has as a bonus, doubled as a bonding session for the girls."
Asha Maxwell, 12, of Stockton, said the girls were hopeful of picking up some useful tips to help in their upcoming home game against Central Charlestown on Saturday.
"Watching the women play in Origin, it just doesn't get any better really," Asha said.
"Having Millie take the time to come to Stockton for one of our training sessions was something we never expected. Now getting to see the first State of Origin game in Sydney with all the girls, it's just amazing."
This is Asha's first season playing rugby league.
"I've learnt a lot so far and I absolutely love playing," she said.
"I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I do. If there are girls thinking of playing but are unsure, they should do it because I had no idea I'd have this much fun."
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