Newcastle Knights star Yasmin Clydsdale has praised husband Adam for supporting her in the rugby league arena.

It’s no surprise the tough second-rower was called into the NSW Sky Blues squad for the third, and deciding, Women’s State of Origin clash at Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Thursday 27 June.

In the opening fixture in Brisbane, the 30-year-old led the charge, winning the Player of the Match honours in the 22-12 triumph.

And, despite another great showing at McDonald Jones Stadium earlier in the month, Clydsdale and her colleagues couldn’t hold off a late charge by the Maroons, dropping the second clash 11-10.

That result now sets up an enthralling finale in the historic best-of-three series.

“It was disappointing to lose that, especially at home,” she said.

“I honestly thought we had the better of the game but, in typical Queensland fashion, they fought until the end.

“The positive, however, was the huge crowd that braved the weather, setting a record in the process.

“I’m confident we’ll learn from that… and hit back on their turf.”

Clydsdale, who won bronze with Australia at the 2018 Women’s Rugby 7’s World Cup, admitted her relationship with Adam, a former Newcastle, Canberra and Cronulla first-grader, played a major role in her journey.

“I moved to the ACT because he signed with the Raiders,” she said.

“So, I just started playing touch down there and then Josh Papali’I’s girlfriend suggested I should play tackle sports since I was so aggressive on the field.

“That’s when I gave union and league a go… it was super random.

“Mostly, it was to make more friends in Canberra,” she added with a laugh.

“But, I’m glad I did.”

Not only has she medalled at the Rugby 7’s World Cup since then, Clydsdale’s also captured three NRLW premierships, one with the Sydney Roosters and two with the Knights, in successive seasons.

Let’s not forget selection for NSW and Australia, too.

“Adam still holds that over me,” she joked to the Newcastle Weekly.

“He’s won four grand finals in a row with the Scone Thoroughbreds in Group 21… and I’ve only won three.

“So, I’m chasing him.

“Seriously, Adam’s terrific.

“He’s my biggest supporter and also my biggest critic.

“It’s because he’s ‘been there, done that’ in the NRL and he cares so much about me.

“I always ask for his advice after a game, like ‘what could I do better?’

“And, he’s so positive towards me, always advocating me to chase my dreams.

“We’d love to start a family and stuff.

“However, Adam wants me to enjoy myself because he knows how short football careers can be.

“That’s what I’m doing.

“I’ve really loved the past couple of years playing rugby league and being able to represent my hometown… it’s pretty special.

“Plus, having my family and friends in the stadium is touching.

“At one stage, I thought I’d have to be a cheerleader to get out on the field.

“So, to see how much the game’s transformed, and how much people want to watch it, it’s fantastic to be a part of.”

Clydsdale and her Newcastle cohorts Caitlan Johnston and Olivia Higgins were retained for the Sky Blues, while Tamika Upton will don the Maroons jumper in Townsville.

But, they’re not the only locals in action.

Dane Gagai has earned a recall after being selected as 18th player in Billy Slater’s Queensland squad for the Wednesday 26 June fixture at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Meanwhile, several Knights’ young guns will take part in the under-19 State of Origin encounters.

Jermaine McEwen is named to start in the second-row for NSW, coached by South Newcastle Lions mentor Andrew Ryan, while Connor Votano and Cody Hopwood were chosen in the extended squad.

Lilly-Ann White, Evah McEwen and Evie Jones gained the nod for the Sky Blues.

Both matches will be played at Leichardt Oval on Thursday 20 June.

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