Wallaroo turned NSW Blue Millie Boyle eyes State of Origin debut

Women's sports are riding the wave towards professionalism. It will eventually bring more teams, longer seasons, full-time salaries, and thus, full-time commitments.

This NSW Blues debutant is counting down the days until it happens. But in the meantime? Boyle is determined to develop into a cross-code star.

Boyle will make her State of Origin debut when NSW look to retain the shield against the Queensland Maroons at North Sydney Oval on Friday night.

While her Blues teammates will then shift their attention to the second instalment of the NRLW competition, Boyle will set her sights on rucks and mauls as she eyes a Wallaroos return.

The increasing level of professionalism in women's sport may eventually force the 21-year-old to pick and stick - but for now, the length of burgeoning competitions make women's sport relatively harmonious.

While she would love to don the colours of Brisbane, St George Illawarra, Sydney's eastern suburbs or even New Zealand, Boyle admits she will be cutting it fine.

"It's an awesome opportunity to showcase rugby league for women. The competition last year looked awesome," Boyle said.

"But the number one priority after this Origin game will be rugby with our Test matches. It's pretty close, our last Test is at the end of August and then the NRL Women's starts in September, so we'll have to see how we're travelling then.

"I'm going to try to keep playing both. They don't clash too much which is a good thing. I'm still focusing on our Test matches in July and August against Japan and New Zealand for rugby.

"First comes this Origin game and then I'll switch over to rugby after that."

Boyle isn't the only Wallaroo in the Blues ranks - Shontelle Stowers has made the switch to rugby league while the 13-player code has been the perfect outlet for ex-Sevens star Tiana Penitani to rediscover her love of football.

State of Origin is a stage Boyle would rarely have thought possible as she spent last year on the sidelines following shoulder surgery. It was at times a lonely place, but she never lost hope of an eventual return to the Queensland XV.

However with no rugby team on the Gold Coast, the former ACT Brumby fell into the code her family made its name in.

"I didn't want to drive to Brisbane any more than I already was so I just joined and started rugby league with the Burleigh Bears girls," Boyle said.

"They've been awesome and I have really loved playing with them.

"I played nationals for South East Queensland [a fortnight ago] and somehow ended up down south again, which I am really stoked about.

"It is really special, I'm really looking forward to it. I'm very privileged to have the opportunity. I can't wait for Friday night."

Perhaps the only people more excited than Boyle were those in her family.

For she is the daughter of former Raider David Boyle, niece of club legend Jason Croker and sister of Manly Warringah forward Morgan Boyle.

And David, who spent four months in a brain injury unit in hospital after a farming accident at the family's Cobargo property in the Bega Valley, has always been her biggest fan.

He sends a good luck message before just about every game - but this one might just be his most special text or phone call yet.

"[My family] were stoked, obviously they've been supportive throughout my whole footy journey but it's extra special with rugby league, just because of that rugby league background," Boyle said.

"They were over the moon, just really happy with me. They're really excited."