Mackay Cutters’ trump card Emma Manzelmann has reached another milestone in her burgeoning rugby league career.
The crafty hooker is set to earn a slice of history after gaining selection in the Queensland Maroons Origin squad for the opening match of the interstate women's series against NSW on Thursday, May 16 at Suncorp Stadium.
Both the Blues and Maroons will contest a three-match Origin series this year for the first time and the durable number nine is determined to consolidate a spot in the star-studded Queensland lineup.
Manzelmann missed the Cutters’ dramatic 22-all draw with Brisbane Tigers in last Saturday’s Hostplus Cup-BMD Women's Premiership double header at BB Print Stadium but is ready to serve the Maroons in their quest for Origin glory.
Premiership pacesetters Mackay had to fight tooth and nail in the women's clash to salvage a point – nabbing two converted tries inside the final quarter to cap a spirited comeback.
The Tigers proved a thorn with their bustling defence and led for most of the match before Cutters’ hooker Alisha Foord and prop Lyrech Mara crashed over for second-half tries that were converted by five-eighth Kayla Shepherd.
Earlier the Tigers dominated the opening stanza and led 12-0 at the interval following tries by winger Melita Hicks and hooker Isabella Satui and two goals by five-eighth Akira Kelly.
Mackay bounced back after the break with dashing centre Jasmine Peters crossing twice in the space of three minutes before Tigers’ half-back India Seeto and the elusive Hicks scored quick four-pointers to give the visitors a 22-10 lead.
In the main game Brisbane Tigers won the field position battle to post an impressive 24-12 triumph over the second-placed Cutters in Hostplus Cup.
Led by skilful half back Ryley Jacks, experienced NRL forward Chris McQueen and rugged prop Tristan Powell, the Tigers finished strongly with forward Jack Natapu and hooker Caleb Daunt grabbing crucial tries to seal a deserved victory.
The visitors led 8-0 at the break following an early converted try by centre Saimone Ahomana and a Jack Miers penalty goal after 26 minutes.
Mackay’s livewire fullback Rayden Burns crossed straight after the interval with half-back and skipper Riley Dean converting before Jacks extended his side’s lead to 12-6 by scoring the Tigers' second try.
Barnstorming prop Brandon Russell kept the Cutters in the hunt when he burst over to score a converted try in the 54th minute to level the scores.
A disappointed Dean was proud of Mackay’s overall defensive effort but felt his side failed to execute the game plan and didn’t nail down their opportunities.
Mackay Cutters’ BMD Premiership Captain, Emma Manzelmann has been selected in the Queensland Maroons squad for Game 1 of State of Origin
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