LIVING HER CUP DREAM Fowler overcomes injury and is ready to suit up for Matildas

FOOTBALL TEEN sensation Mary Fowler may finally get her first competitive Matildas minutes against Jamaica today, but coach Ante Milicic was adamant he’s under no pressure to cap the talented teenager and claim her for Australia.

The 16-year-old, the youngest player at the tournament in France, was back in selection contention for today’s clash with Jamaica after overcoming a hamstring strain that ruled her out of Australia’s opening two Women’s World Cup games against Italy and Brazil.

But Milicic said any game time Fowler got would be STATE OF ORIGIN COWBOYS’ enforcer Josh McGuire believes the Maroons’ pick-and-stick mentality will be the key to securing the State of Origin series this weekend.

Unlike their NSW counterparts, Queensland only made two changes to a winning side going into Origin II, both of which were forced due to injury.

Jai Arrow and Joe Ofahengaue will miss the opportunity to seal up the series with 18th man Tim Glasby promoted to the 17 and Titans’ Jarrod Wallace earning a recall to the Origin arena.

Meanwhile, NSW have made seven changes to their roster with only three of those forced by injury in what has been one of the biggest Origin shake-ups this decade.

But McGuire said his Queensland side had paid no attention to the turmoil on the other side of the border.

“We haven’t even thought about it, I haven’t even seen the other team’s side,” he said. “We are worried about our own backyard.

“We’re a pretty loyal state, we like to stay loyal to our players. That is something good about the based purely on merit and not the politics of securing a star of the future, who may have otherwise defected to her father’s native Ireland.

“She’s got a lot of potential,” Milicic said.

“She’s worked well, even now, coming back from an injury she’s put herself in a position where she’s looked good.

“But at the same time, we don’t give out minutes or caps for any other reason than someone deserves to affect a game of football. That’s how we’ll approach it.

“We’ll see how the game unfolds. At this stage she’s available for selection, she’s more than likely to start as a substitute.

“But we’ve got to look at every player individually. There are three games in 10 days … but it would be good at some stage if the opportunity presents itself that she can really show her quality.”

The news was less positive for Brisbane Roar star Clare Polkinghorne, whose own hamstring issue ruled her out of a second consecutive match.

If the Matildas win big over Jamaica, and Brazil can beat leaders Italy, it could lift Milicic’s side to the top and reward them with seven days’ rest and a round-of-16 match-up with a slightly more straightforward opponent. Watch the Matildas live on SBS from 5am.

Picture: GETTY IMAGES www.cairnspost.com.au CONFIDENT STANCE: Cowboys and Maroons forward Josh McGuire believes the Maroons’ pickand-stick style will lead them to victory. Queensland squad. We like to pick and stick, especially when it is a winning combination. “I love it, everyone that is (in the squad) deserves their spot.” With the forward rotation affected, McGuire said he would be willing to play a full 80 minutes “if Kevvie will let me”. “I don’t like coming from the football field (as it is), but I would be pretty tired by the end of it. “Origin is a whole different kettle of fish (to club footy).” McGuire arrived in camp in Perth alongside Cowboys captain Michael Morgan on Sunday night, with both describing the feeling as “upbeat” heading into Sunday night’s showdown. Morgan, who will line up at left centre opposite recalled Blues star Tom Trbojevic, believed the players brought into the camp would do the job for their state. “Whoever is named, you get in and support them and get among it,” he said. “They have both been here before and Glasby was 18th man at Suncorp. “Everyone is excited to be back in camp. You don’t think about what has happened from Game One … we’re just focused on our preparation and … ultimately how we play.”