NSW Women's State of Origin team will have to overcome a dearth of experience when they tackle Queensland, with seven debutants selected for the North Sydney Oval clash.
Tiana Penitani, Skakiah Tungai, Kirra Dibb, Shontelle Stowers, Botille Vette-Welsh, Takilele Katoa and Millie Boyle will play Origin for the first time on Friday night.
Blues coach Andrew Patmore, who was promoted from assistant coach since last year, said the experience of Queensland's spine does concern them - particularly Maroons captain and halfback Ali Brigginshaw.
"They've got a lot of experience and ours is a pretty new squad. We need to make sure that we match that experience," Patmore told AAP.
"They are very good players, they've got big players in the middle, they've got an exceptional halfback - probably the best halfback in the world in the ladies game.
"We've got to make sure we're ready; we know a bit about them and we match them with enthusiasm."
Patmore said NSW have been working hard to build chemistry.
"They are getting to know each other on and off the field. It's really important they trust each other and they start to work together," he said.
Experience won't be the only hurdle for NSW with the Maroons likely to be fiercely determined to succeed after their defeat last year.
"It's always hard, these are Origin games," Patmore said.
"Both sides are playing for their states and their jumpers; it's going to be intense.
"For Queensland, when you come off a loss, their intensity is going to be another level, so we have to make sure we match them and play some good footy.
"If we do that, I think our skill level will get us home but it's a massive challenge for us."
NSW will also have the calming influence of Kylie Hilder, who made history as the oldest woman to play in the inaugural NRL Women's Premiership last year, as they attempt to mould a match-winning unit.
"She's been a huge influence and a help for the coaching staffers," Patmore said of Hilder, who last played for NSW in 2010
"It's a calmness. The way she speaks to the girls, her leadership, even though she's not captain, her leadership has been exceptional."
