Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons five-eighth Tarryn Aiken said defence will be the key to upsetting the Blues and preventing a dreaded whitewash.
The Maroons have been outplayed through the middle in the opening two games of the match where they have been unable to find the answers when momentum turns against them.
Despite having the odds stacked against them with the side missing two key players in star fullback Tamika Upton and reliable middle Keilee Joseph, Aiken had confidence her side could turn the tide.
“Our camp’s been really good, everyone's really excited,” Aiken said.
“Our training's been really good and we've been focused on a few things to fix up so hopefully we can put on a good performance.
“A big thing is our defence, but also just working on building pressure with our attack, finishing our sets a bit better once we're in good ball and just executing a bit better.
“It's definitely obviously our aim to win the game.
“We're playing for a lot of pride and passion in the Queensland jersey.
“We've been focusing on a few things at training and hopefully we can get the win and upset them.”
For this game, Aiken will pair up with Lauren Brown in the halves, with the Titans star moving from hooker to halfback.
Skipper Ali Brigginshaw has shifted to lock in an effort to help provide some guidance to the middle who have struggled to contain the New South Wales pack.
“I've played a lot of footy with Loz, especially with her at 9, but for her to be able to move into the highs is really exciting for her,” Aiken said.
“She had a really good season last year in 7, so really happy for her.
“She gets her chance tomorrow night to play in the 7 jersey, and we've been combining really well at training.
“(Brigginshaw) is really helping our middles out through the attack ball playing through there, but also she's got a really good running game through the middle as well, so she's been working on that throughout the week and building nicely.
“I think she always puts the whole team first and the Queensland jersey first, and she's ready to rip in tomorrow night no matter where she plays she doesn't mind in this team.”
Deep in enemy territory in Newcastle since shifting camp to prepare for the match, the incumbent Jillaroos halfback also had to stave off questions about keeping her jersey, with parochial Novocastrian Andrew Johns calling for Blues half Jesse Southwell to be parachuted into the role.
Aiken for her part played a straight bat when asked if she wanted to respond to his comments, only saying she “would definitely like to retain” her jersey.
“You always want to retain your jerseys in any team and definitely the Jillaroos as well,” Aiken said.
While it has been a difficult campaign so far, there have been some shining lights for Queensland who have debut four players so far this series and are set to unveil two more, with fullback Hayley Maddick and utility half Georgia Hannaway to receive their opportunity.
For Aiken, one of Queensland’s best has been powerfully winger Julia Robinson, who has put in a commendable effort in the opening two matches.
“I think Robbo, Julia Robinson, she always gives 110% and I think she's the most consistent player in any team she plays in, and I think she just leads from her actions,” Aiken said.
“She doesn't always say a lot, but she's a very valuable and appreciated member of our team.”
Match: Blues Women v Maroons
Game 3 -
home Team
Blues Women
away Team
Maroons
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
