Queensland Hit by Triple Injury Blow as NSW Eyes Origin Whitewash

The Queensland Maroons women's rugby league team faces a significant challenge in the upcoming third State of Origin match, with three key players, including captain Tamika Upton, ruled out due to injury. This triple blow significantly impacts the team's lineup as they strive to avoid a series whitewash against New South Wales.

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We know the strength and quality that exists within this group and while it's been tough not to come away with the wins so far, the performances have shown exactly what this side is capable of.

Upton, widely regarded as the NRLW's best player, is a critical loss at fullback. Her absence, along with that of winger Julia Robinson and front-rower Makenzie Weale, forces coach Nathan Cross to call upon uncapped debutants Destiny Mino-Sinapati and Lillian Yarrow. Mino-Sinapati, a fullback from Gold Coast, faces the daunting task of filling Upton's shoes, while Yarrow will provide impact from the bench.

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It's also been really exciting to see some of the younger players and debutants come into the environment and handle the Origin arena so well.

Despite these setbacks, Maroons coach Cross expressed confidence in the depth of his squad, highlighting the performances of younger players and debutants in the Origin arena. He acknowledged the difficulty of the situation but emphasized the team's capability and the exciting opportunity for emerging talent.

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People call them dead rubbers and whatnot, but they certainly aren't dead rubbers, and there's a lot of pride on the line.

Meanwhile, the New South Wales Blues have named an unchanged lineup, aiming to become the first NSW Origin team, men or women, to achieve a 3-0 series sweep since 2000. Coach John Strange acknowledged the difficulty of such a feat, emphasizing the pride and challenge involved, even in a series already decided. The Blues are determined to cap off their successful campaign with a clean sweep.

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It's incredibly hard [to win 3-0], and we know that through firsthand experience last year, how difficult that is. So we're certainly up for the challenge.