A dual-code international believes a change is just around the corner for women’s State of Origin upon the Maroons squad announcement. Meanwhile, she has revealed the role an fellow global star had in keeping her on the Gold Coast.
Dual-code international Evania Pelite has declared women’s rugby league was ready now for a three-game State of Origin series, adamant this year’s showcase loomed as the chance to prove that.
The Gold Coast Titans star was named on Monday in Queensland coach Tahnee Norris’ Maroons squad to take part in the historic two-match campaign this year — the first time the concept has deviated from the stand-alone spectacle.
However Pelite believed the game and the talent across the nation had reached the point where the rigours of a full series could be handled, backing such a move to be accelerated immediately.
The 27-year-old said the 2023 event presented the opportunity for the NRLW’s best to demonstrated that it was a change that needed to happen.
“Definitely, I think the girls are ready for three games now as it is. Two games isn’t where we wanted (it) to (be), but we’re grateful that we’ve still got that opportunity to have an extra game,” Pelite said.
“It’s just great to see the growth of the women’s sport expanding. This year the NRLW has expanded and we now get two Origin games.
“The game is only going to move forward from there so we’re really excited to see that expansion.”
Having debuted for the Jillaroos in last year’s World Cup, Pelite’s sporting resume has gained an extra entry ahead of her third campaign in Titans colours.
And the former Olympian with the Australian Rugby 7s side admits it was a key recruit, with whom she used to wage plenty of enthralling battles in the rival code, that enticed her to remain on the Glitter Strip.
Niall Williams, sister of Kiwi great Sonny Bill Williams, will make her NRLW debut in 2023 having retired from Rugby 7s to joined the 13-woman game.
Pelite, who is set to line up for the Titans at fullback while assuming a different role in the outside backs for Queensland, said it was the chance to play with Williams that ultimately secured her desire to remain in the blue and white jumper.
She said while the 35-year-old may possess similarities to her famous brother, she had proven that she was a force to be reckoned with in her own right.
“She first approached me last year when we were at the Dubai 7s and said she was thinking about coming over to the game,” Pelite said.
“We kept that open communication between December and when she signed, she was definitely a big lure of staying here on the Gold Coast because I’ve always wanted to play with her.
“They (Niall and Sonny Bill) have very similar skillsets, but Niall’s done an amazing job over her 7s career to showcase that she’s her own person and has got her own unique talent.
“I can’t wait to see her bring that into league as well.”
Pelite will be joined in the Maroons squad by Titans teammates Jessika Elliston, Emily Bass and Shannon Mato, with former Gold Coast stars Tazmin Gray, Destiny Brill and Shaniah Power also earning call ups.
Burleigh Bears stars Zahara Temara and Sophie Holyman will also enter camp.
FULL MAROONS SQUAD:
Tarryn Aiken
Emily Bass
Ali Brigginshaw (C)
Destiny BrillSouths
Shenae Ciesiolka
Jessika Elliston
Tazmin Gray
Sophie Holyman
Keilee Joseph
Emma Manzelmann
Shannon Mato
Evania Pelite
China Polata
Shaniah Power
Julia Robinson
Romy Teitzel
Zahara Temara
Tamika Upton
Originally published as Gold Coast Titans star Evania Pelite believes the NRLW is ready for a three game State of Origin series