The NRL's decision to expand the State of Origin series is a measure of the growth of women's rugby league, but some of the game's biggest stars have been left scratching their heads over the league's reluctance to implement a full, three-match series.
After five years of one-off matches the two states will now meet twice, with the opening clash to take place at Parramatta Stadium next Thursday night before a rematch in Townsville on June 22.
It creates the possibility of each state claiming one win and the trophy being decided by for-and-against, a prospect New South Wales star Millie Boyle has labelled "ridiculous."
"Considering the guys have been playing three games for so long and went straight from one-off to three games, I don't know why it's taken so long for us to get there," said Boyle.
"We're nearly there but two games seems ridiculous, to be honest. It's great to have another one but it doesn't really feel fair if it's a one-all draw, that's why we have that mentality to win both.
"It's probably money, they don't have the money to put a third one on, I don't know. I can only see money or broadcasting as an issue, there's no doubt that every player in the NRLW would take another week (off work).
"We're all in pre-season now anyway, we're getting fit and ready to play games. It beats me, if anybody knows the reason, let us know.
"We have great viewership for our games. If it's one-all don't you think the decider would be the biggest game and the best one to watch?"
It's not the first time the move has attracted criticism – Blues coach Kylie Hilder last year said a 1-1 draw would be a "deflating" feeling regardless of which side won.
But Boyle and her teammates are fully focused on retaining the shield after last year's victory in Canberra and will be looking to turn the expansion into an advantage.
"Previously we've never had the chance to analyse and improve on the game we'd just played. We always had to dump it and the next year we'd have new players, maybe a new spine, maybe a new coach. It's great we can finally build some continuity," Boyle said.
"There's no doubt the second game we play together will be better than the first because this is our first game together and you don't always get it right the first time.
"We want to go in competitive for both games, play both of them as grand finals because we believe we've got what it takes to do that, to back up our performance."
Boyle will need to lead from the front for New South Wales following the withdrawal of key forwards Simaima Taufua, Hannah Southwell and Holli Wheeler.
But with Newcastle sensation Jesse Southwell set for her debut at halfback and the Blues easing into favouritism following last year's 20-14 victory, Boyle and company are certain they're up to the task of retaining the shield.
"The competitiveness, the contest, it's the pinnacle of our sport in the world. Origin is always the hardest game you'll play and it's always great to challenge yourself and your teammates on the biggest stage," Boyle said.
"Growing up, everyone watches Origin. It's something you always strive towards."
