Why Blues want Newcastle venue to be made permanent
The recent deluge on NSW's mid-north coast has stopped Clydsdale's husband Adam from being able to cross a creek to get to their cows on their farm in the upper Hunter.
But the Newcastle NRLW star knows nothing will stop footy-mad supporters in the region from turning out in numbers to see NSW lift the women's State of Origin shield on May 29.
She's adamant Newcastle should always host a game of women's Origin to honour the passion and support the locals have for the women's game.
"They (Newcastle) always show up for women's rugby league so it's like a reward," Clydsdale said on Thursday.
"I always say we have such amazing and passionate fans so if we only had one (game) in NSW, I definitely think Newcastle would be the place.
"It's a rugby league town, they live and breathe rugby league so they'll just get on board anything rugby league related.
"They're not fans, they're supporters, and they always show up for us."
The forward is better placed than most to know what it would mean for locals struggling with flooding and intense rainfall, owning a cattle farm in the town of Rouchel in the upper Hunter.
"It's pretty scary at the moment, we can't even get to our cattle because the creek's up so high we can't cross," Clydsdale said.
"Adam's making sure the cows are OK but we just can't get to them right now so hopefully they're all safe."
NSW were stunned by a Lauren Brown field goal in Newcastle last year, but Clydsdale is determined to give her home fans the treat of seeing a NSW whitewash.
"It feels a bit surreal to have already won the series, but we have a team that's very competitive and we want to win three-nil," Clydsdale said.
Fellow Hunter local Jesse Southwell has starred for NSW in the first two games and says everyone in rugby league knows Newcastle fans turn up for women's sport.
"The NRL sees that as well, Newcastle always shows up for the women's game, doesn't matter who's playing," Southwell said.
"That's why the Magic Round is there as well, they'll get around it."
The belief McDonald Jones Stadium should always host Origin is even held outside those who grew up in the region, with Sydney-born winger Jaime Chapman full of praise for the Hunter faithful.
"The roar of the crowd is like no other in Newcastle, especially when you're playing for the Blues," Chapman told AAP.
"I don't like it when I'm going down there playing against Newcastle, but when they're behind you, you can really feel it.
"It gives you this feeling of adrenaline you don't get in other stadiums."
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