The Newcastle Knights’ outstanding success in the NRLW arena hasn’t exactly translated into state selection.

New South Wales coach Kylie Hilder released her Sky Blues squad on Wednesday 8 May, with the two-time back-to-back premiers virtually snubbed yet again.

Only three members of the 2022 and 2023 champions – prop Caitlan Johnston, second-rower Yasmin Clydsdale and debutant Olivia Higgins – received the nod for game one of the 2024 Ampol Women’s State of Origin series.

That match will be played at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday 16 May, with the second encounter taking place at McDonald Jones Stadium on 6 June.

It appears the claims of Jasmin Strange, Jesse Southwell, Hannah Southwell and Kayla Romaniuk – integral components of Newcastle’s triumphs in recent years – were ignored by Hilder and her assistants Ruan Sims and Sam Bremner.

Millie Elliott, who lined up for the Hunter club in 2022, will partner Johnston in the front-row.

NSW also enters the inaugural best-of-three format with a new halves pairing in veteran Corban Baxter, 30, and Rachael Pearson.

Higgins, the Knights’ brilliant hooker, will don the Sky Blues jumper for the first time.

Jakiya Whitfeld, ex-Newcastle star Kirra Dibb and Ellie Johnston have been named as reserves, with Isabelle Kelly and Kezie Apps co-captaining the side.

NSW will begin its preparations this week before heading north to Brisbane on Tuesday.

Inspirational Knights skipper and Dally M Player of the Year Tamika Upton is expected to be a key figure for Queensland.

Maroons v Sky Blues

• Game 1 – Thursday 16 May, 7.45pm
• Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

• NSW Sky Blues (squad): Emma Tonegato, Jaime Chapman, Jess Sergis, Isabelle Kelly (c), Tiana Penitani, Corban Baxter, Rachael Pearson, Millie Elliott, Olivia Higgins, Caitlan Johnston, Yasmin Clydsdale, Kezie Apps (c), Keeley Davis, Taliah Fuimaono, Olivia Kernick, Grace Kemp, Sarah Togatuki, Jakiya Whitfeld, Kirra Dibb, Ellie Johnston

For more sports stories:

• Wet and wild end to huge Sail Port Stephens regatta
• Hunter product Torrie Lewis books Olympic berth
• Shane Mattiske: Jets’ on-field performances bode well for future

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