Melanie Howard was worried her chance had slipped by.
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A self-confessed Origin fan, the 27-year-old finally received the call-up for an interstate clash but required a medical clearance after suffering a suspected broken hand late in last month's NRLW grand final.
It was an anxious wait, but ultimately a worthwhile one for the now NSW halfback who will debut for title holders the Blues against Queensland at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Friday night.
"I was pretty excited [when I got the call]," Howard said.
"We were actually on our Mad Monday [with the Roosters] getting ready to head out on a boat in Sydney Harbour.
"But I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to play [Origin] because I'd been for an X-ray and had to wait for the results to come back.
"It [the injury] happened in the last two minutes of the game and they thought I'd broke my hand so I was a bit stressed. Thankfully nothing major showed up and I got the all clear. It was a relief in the end."
The Wallsend resident feels comfortable with the playmaker role having lined up in all three NRLW competitions and the corresponding NSW Women's Premiership, which has featured a grand final appearance with North Newcastle and back-to-back crowns with CRL Newcastle and Central Coast.
"As a halfback I'm used to the pressure of playing that role," she said.
"I'm lucky to have good players around me which makes me less stressed and more confident to do my job.
"In terms of Friday it's about getting myself in the right head space to handle a big occasion.
"That helps me make good decisions and see the game the best way possible."
Former NSW Country representative Howard, who will partner Corban McGregor in the halves, feels like she has been "building towards" her maiden State of Origin appearance since turning to rugby league on a more full-time basis in 2018.
She will don the Blues uniform alongside several of her Sydney Roosters teammates, including Cameron Park's Hannah Southwell and Scone's Yasmin Meakes.
Upper Hunter product Brydie Parker and Manning veteran Kylie Hilder have been named on an extended bench.
Howard, the second eldest of four siblings, will have a support crew flying up to watch from the grandstands now COVID-19 border restrictions have eased.
"We're a very big league family," she said.
We always used to watch Origin so now to be part of it is pretty special."
The Northern Lakes Warriors junior has also received well wishes from students and staff at Wakefield School, located west of Speers Point, where she works as a teacher.
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