BURLEIGH STAR’S ORIGIN MISSION

NRLW WINNER PILLEY TARGETS SHOWPIECE

BRONCOS NRLW centre Amber Pilley is hoping to use tomorrow’s All Stars clash as a launching pad for a massive 2019, with her sights set on a place in the Queensland Origin team.

A proud Wiradjuri woman, Gold Coast-based Pilley will represent the Indigenous All

Stars for the third time tomorrow night, when they play the

Maori All Stars in a historic first clash in Melbourne.

The match will kick off the women’s rugby league calendar for 2019 and will be the first major game Pilley has played since helping Brisbane win last year’s NRLW grand final.

Last season was a breakout year for Pilley, who has worked her way through the ranks with the Burleigh Bears.

The 21-year-old was one of the last players signed to Brisbane but earned a Round 1 starting spot and held onto it.

Now Pilley has her sights set on going to the next level.

“I’ve never played in the State of Origin so I would love to be in the Queensland team,” said Pilley (pictured).

“Last year, the Broncos experience was life-changing so I want to retain my position with them but I also want to try and crack State of Origin. Because the All Stars game is always off the back of an offseason, I feel like I have played mediocre in the past.

“But this year I am feeling more confident and want to make more of an impact and get more involved. This is the first pre-season where I was running at home by myself or with my sister.

“I’ve never taken that initiative before but the Broncos routine has kept me at a good standard.”

Tomorrow’s meeting with the Maori All Stars also has personal meaning for Pilley.

Her indigenous heritage comes from her father’s side, with his family from Mudgee in NSW. She has done a lot of research into her culture over the years and sees the All Stars game as a season highlight.