Parramatta Eels halfback Rachael Pearson has been selected by the NSW Sky Blues for next week’s State of Origin series opener.
Pearson led NSW to Origin glory in her Sky Blues debut in 2022, and featured in Game I of the 2023 series. She now returns to the NSW setup aiming to avenge last year’s series defeat to Queensland.
A composed no. 7 renowned for her kicking game, Pearson joined the Eels ahead of the 2023 NRLW season and was named Co-Captain before her debut.
In her maiden campaign with the Eels, she made six appearances and registered five try assists, eight forced dropouts and 12 goals with a career-high conversion rate of 75%.
Pearson’s strong end to the 2023 season earned her a place in the Australian PM’s XIII team that faced PNG last September, alongside six Eels teammates.
She will return to action with the Sky Blues next week in the opener to an inaugural three-game Women’s State of Origin series.
Game I will be played next Thursday 16 May at Suncorp Stadium, ahead of NRL Magic Round.
Following her 2024 State of Origin duties, Pearson will return to pre-season training at Parramatta under new NRLW Head Coach Steve Georgallis.
The Eels recently secured the long-term future of 2023 Player of the Year Abbi Church, and have signed a number of promising, young players for the upcoming season.
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