Maroons coach opens up on selections ahead of Women's series opener

Queensland Maroons coach Tahnee Norris is backing contingency in her side as she prepares to announce a squad for the 2024 Ampol Women’s State of Origin series opener.

Norris, who led Queensland to Origin glory last year has a wealth of superstar players at her disposal for this year's series, including reigning NRLW Dally M Medallist Tamika Upton.

With the series expanded to three games for the first time in the history of the women's game, squad selection has never been more important.

As Maroons fans await the official announcement of the Game I squad, Norris admitted there is unlikely to be any surprising picks.

“Look, I’m would say no (surprise selections),” Norris said on SENQ Breakfast.

“We had a really good side from last year so I can’t see a lot of changes in that group.”

Norris was full of praise for the Queensland BMD Premiership being played prior to the annual Origin series, as she claims it has allowed her players to fine-tune their games ahead of the marquee fixture.

“The BMD Premiership allowed for that to happen,” Norris added.

“The girls have played some really good quality games for us to select them from, that’s what I’m really happy about.

“Even though the NRLW is not until the end of the year, they’re still in that transition process of the NRLW expanding and for the girls, for us to select them off that.

“I think we’ve had enough games under our belt now and we’ve selected a really good game for Game I, I can’t wait to announce it.”

The 2024 Ampol Women’s State of Origin series kicks-off on Thursday, May 16th at Suncorp Stadium.