'We didn't come here to lose' - Queensland Under 18 captain Lyllian Mikaio

“There’s that saying ‘you win some, you lose some,’ but, when it comes to Stage of Origin, we didn’t come here to lose.”

Those are the words from Under 18 Girls captain Lyllian Mikaio that will inspire her teammates to make history at North Sydney Oval ahead of the women’s State of Origin match tonight.

The girls – from all over Queensland – have spent a week in camp alongside the women’s Maroons squad ahead of the inaugural Under 18 interstate match-up with New South Wales.

The match is yet another exciting progression in the female game, providing another representative pathway opportunity for girls to aspire to.

For Queensland Rugby League, the match brings to fruition a number of years of development work which began in 2017 with the Harvey Norman Under 15 Girls Emerging Origin Camp at the Runaway Bay Sports Centre.

Most of the selected players have been part of QRL’s pathway programs, with 11 players involved in the QAS Emerging Origin camps held earlier this year.

Mikaio is honest about the beginning days in camp, but said as they got closer to kick-off she was confident the team could bring home the trophy.

“A lot of the girls have never played before, and at the beginning (of camp) we had our times where we just not onto it, making too many mistakes when we were under pressure,” Mikaio explained.

“But, we have worked on that and trying not to do too much or over-complicate things. When we stick to what we know and keep our communication up, it’s really good.

“There has been a really good vibe, and positive attitude from everyone. We have really gelled together and have a great team who want to win for each other, and for Queensland.”

The entire team has adopted the mantra that the result will be a reflection of their attitude.

“We know we can win. We know individually and as a team we have done everything we can. Our hard work will be rewarded tonight,” Mikaio said.

Watch the Under 18 match live online at 5.45pm.