Last-minute injuries have not delivered the Queensland Maroons the preparation they were hoping for ahead of their Women's State of Origin decider, but coach Tahnee Norris is confident in her young reinforcements.
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The Maroons kept the inaugural three-game series alive with a gutsy 11-10 come-from-behind victory over the Sky Blues in Newcastle.
But the win came at a cost, with lock Sienna Lofipo facing a lengthy stint on the sidelines after injuring a knee ligament during the match.
Norris's selection woes were compounded this week when it was confirmed utility Destiny Brill would also be unavailable after suffering a calf injury during training.
The young Brisbane No.9 was named on the bench for Thursday's clash, but will spend the next three to four weeks in rehab.
"We always said it's going to take all 30 (players), and that's exactly what's been happening with a couple of changes," Norris told reporters as the squad entered camp on the Gold Coast on Friday.
"It's footy: there's injuries, things happen.
"It's been a big squad. There's been a couple of changes in and out of each game, but we knew that this was going to happen and we've counteracted that and made sure that the girls are good to go."
Teenager Lily Peacock was drafted into the squad to replace Brill just minutes after playing in the Queensland Under-19s' 46-4 loss to NSW on Thursday.
"She's extremely excited about it," Norris said.
"Big night last night, obviously, so she's come in to camp a little bit fatigued this morning, but we'll look after her and make sure she's ready to go."
The NRL is expecting another big crowd in Townsville after a record 25,000 people packed out McDonald Jones Stadium in torrential conditions in game two.
Having the series go to a decider has no doubt boosted interest.
"How good is it," Norris said.
"It just showcases the depth of this game in the women's space. The crowds that have been coming out, it's just been absolutely amazing.
"In Newcastle ... how good was it in the pouring wet to have so many people out there supporting women's rugby league?
"It doesn't matter where we play, the support's there. And the fact that we've got a decider to showcase our game again, I'm really excited about it."
Australian Associated Press
