After a dominant performance by the Sky Blues to open their 2024 Origin campaign, the two squads are now turning their attention to Game II with New South Wales only one win away from history in Newcastle.
Building up to kick-off at McDonald Jones Stadium on Thursday, the match is do or die for the Maroons after falling short 22-12 in Game I.
With seven Titans NRLW players set to don an Origin jersey in the clash – five in maroon and two in sky blue – there will be plenty of Gold Coast talent on display across the field, including a young gun on debut.
Those representatives include Evania Pelite, Shannon Mato, Lauren Brown, Jess Elliston, Sienna Lofipo (Queensland) and Jaime Chapman, Taliah Fuiamaono (New South Wales).
The Titans stars to watch in Game II:
Sienna Lofipo
A reserve for the Maroons in Game I, Lofipo has been bumped up to the starting 13 and is ready to impress after spending time in camp soaking in the opportunity to better develop her skills.
Starring in 10 games for the Titans in 2023, the 19-year-old has proven she has what it takes to enter the origin arena intensity in what will be her debut on Thursday night.
Continuing her previous years form into the 2024 season for the Wynnum Manly Seagulls, this rising young star has been preparing for her Origin debut and will certainly not miss the opportunity to showcase her abilities.
Lauren Brown
Coming off the bench for the Maroons in Game I, Brown made 43 run metres in only a 17-minute period, showcasing the energy and power she brings to the side after a year away from the arena to focus on firefighting.
Playing for the Titans in 11 games last season, the 29-year-old was initially named in the centres, however a late switch from coach Tahnee Norris has seen her move back to her familiar dummy-half position.
Showcasing her dedication and camaraderie for her Queensland teammates, Lauren will certainly be a player to watch come Game II as she gets her opportunity to start from the opening whistle in front of Newcastle crowd/
Jaime Chapman
Running almost the entire field to score what was the most memorable try of Game I, Jaime Chapman had a standout performance in the opening game of her second series in the Sky Blue jersey.
The 22-year-old outside back is set to cause more headaches for Queenslanders as her strike power is unleashed in front of New South Wales fans in Newcastle.
A major member of the Blues dominant win over the Maroons in the first head-to-head battle, Chapman will be looking to lock up the series on Thursday before the third game.
