Southwell has eyes on reclaiming the prize

Hannah Southwell watched a replay of last year's State of Origin loss the very next day.

It was a fair while longer until she pushed play again.

The Cameron Park 22-year-old has been named at lock for the NSW Sky Blues, who clash with women's title holders Queensland on the Sunshine Coast on Friday night (7:45pm).

"It's not pleasant losing to Queensland ever, especially on a big stage," Southwell told the Newcastle Herald.

"A few of the girls have watched the game back recently and it was pretty hard to watch. I think it will help fuel the fire to rip in on Friday.

"I actually watched it the next day but couldn't watch it for a long time after that. It was just too raw. We didn't perform well last year, but we get another crack this year."

A "crazy few months" await Southwell with the NSW Women's Premierships finals, expanded NRLW competition and a potential World Cup in the United Kingdom all on the agenda between now and the end of 2021.

However, her primary focus will be reclaiming the crown NSW let go in November, having held the women's State of Origin shield in both 2018 and 2019.

"I'm keen to win this year that's for sure, super keen," she said.

Despite being in Maroons territory for a second straight campaign, Southwell said a capacity crowd unaffected by coronavirus restrictions will add to the occasion.

"We had crowds last year, but there was a cap so it didn't really feel like a big crowd. It was sold out obviously, but this year will be even bigger which is awesome," she said.

Southwell will be joined in the NSW starting side by Central Coast teammates Isabelle Kelly (centre) and Yasmin Meakes (wing) while Brydie Parker is the 18^th player.

Old Bar's Holli Wheeler, a state grand final winner with CRL Newcastle in 2019, returns to the Sky Blues having overcome knee surgery for an ACL injury suffered last year.

All five players could be potential recruitment targets for the Newcastle Knights, who are one of three new teams added to this year's NRLW, however, each of them have previously linked with foundation clubs the Roosters or Dragons.

In the NSW Women's Premiership, Central Coast have earned this weekend off after going through the regular rounds undefeated and finishing on top of the ladder.