A former ACT Brumby with Canberra Raiders bloodlines has been drafted into the NSW Blues squad for her State of Origin debut.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Burleigh-based Millie Boyle is one of seven debutants in a Blues side looking to defend the shield when they meet the Queensland Maroons at North Sydney Oval on June 21.
![Millie Boyle will play for the NSW State of Origin side. Millie Boyle will play for the NSW State of Origin side.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/dc5syd-6qaq8pwgxioa6l62c64.jpg/r0_413_3872_2590_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
The 21-year-old daughter of former Raider David Boyle and niece of club legend Jason Croker has already represented the Wallaroos in rugby union and is now on course to become a dual-international.
Boyle impressed for South East Queensland during the recent national championships to earn a start for her home state in one of women's rugby league's biggest fixtures.
The former ACT flanker won't be the only rugby union convert lining up in sky blue - former Australian sevens star Tiana Penitani forming one half of a lethal centre pairing with Golden Boot winner Isabelle Kelly.
While the Blues enter the one-off interstate clash with three more debutants than their rivals from the north, they will boast no shortage of star power.
![Millie Boyle has earned a State of Origin debut. Millie Boyle has earned a State of Origin debut.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/dc5syd-6qaq8qcv88kqkzb8c64.jpg/r0_86_3562_2211_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Jessica Sergis has forced her way into the side after missing last year's inaugural State of Origin clash due to injury while Corban McGregor will fill the void left by Sam Bremner at fullback.
But the comeback of the day belongs to 43-year-old hooker Kylie Hilder, who is set to end a decade-long wait when she returns to the NSW side.
Star back-rower Kezie Apps has been handed the captaincy role with Maddie Studdon to focus solely on steering the side around from halfback.
Rugby league chiefs are desperate to build on the success of last year's fixture after nearly 7000 fans piled into North Sydney Oval for NSW's triumph last season in what proved to be a watershed moment for the code.
WOMEN'S STATE OF ORIGIN
Friday, June 21: NSW Blues v Queensland Maroons at North Sydney Oval, 7.45pm. TV: Live on Channel Nine.
NSW squad: 1. Corban McGregor, 2. Jessica Sergis, 3. Tiana Penitani, 4. Isabelle Kelly, 5. Shakiah Tungai, 6. Kirra Dibb, 7. Maddison Studdon, 8. Simaima Taufa, 9. Kylie Hilder, 10. Vanessa Foliaki, 11. Kezie Apps (c), 12 Shontelle Stowers, 13. Hannah Southwell. Interchange: 14. Botille Vette-Welsh, 15. Holli Wheeler, 16. Takilele Katoa, 17. Millie Boyle, 18. Shaylee Bent.
QLD squad: Chelsea Baker, Heather Ballinger, Annette Brander, Brittany Breayley, Ali Brigginshaw, Karina Brown, Jessika Elliston, Tazmin Gray, Stephanie Hancock, Tallisha Harden, Jennie-Sue Hoepper, Chelsea Lenarduzzi, Stephanie Mooka, Rona Peters, Amber Pilley, Elle Stitt, Amy Turner, Meg Ward.