Boyle’s journey a long process

A MAIDEN State of Origin call-up for NSW has taken Millie Boyle back to her beginnings for two reasons.

The Gold Coast-based front-rower has fond memories from her childhood in Cobargo, nearly 400km south of Sydney, of family gatherings watching the state against state spectacle.

“It was always a big event when Origin was on,” she recalled. “I never thought that I would get to be a part of it, especially with how far the women’s game has come so it’s pretty surreal being here.

“I grew up a NSW girl, I have only lived in Queensland for about two years so I’m definitely NSW through and through.”

Secondly, it has given her the chance to room with longtime friend Kezie Apps, who was raised in nearby Bega.

“She’s captaining the side so it’s really nice to have her expertise and guidance and help,” Boyle said.

The 21-year-old had previously more so focused her playing efforts in rugby union, representing Queensland in the Super W as well as the Australian Wallaroos.

She made the decision this year, however, to get stuck into rugby league, joining four-time South East Queensland Division 1 champions Burleigh.

The move has paid dividends in the form of an Origin debut tonight.

“It has happened quite quickly but I have really enjoyed it,” she said.

Boyle will come up against four Bears teammates at North Sydney Oval with Chelsea Lenarduzzi, Tallisha Harden, Tazmin Gray and Amber Pilley all playing for Queensland.

Fellow forward Lenarduzzi had joked it will be “game on” with Boyle, who laughed in returning serve: “I’ll try to use some of her own tricks against her maybe, who knows.

“She is definitely one of my good friends at Burleigh; she has helped me a lot and it will be interesting going up against her.”

Boyle’s family including brother Morgan, who plays in the NRL for Manly, will be in the crowd to cheer her on.