Origin ace Cherrington has a laugh at QLD's expense
Kennedy Cherrington is revelling in her role as NSW's chief wind-up merchant after the forward stood over the top of Chelsea Lenarduzzi and mocked her Queensland rival.
After the Blues wrapped up the women's State of Origin series with a game to spare in a 26-6 win on Thursday, an image was widely circulated online which showed Cherrington laughing at Lenarduzzi after she had made an error in the first half.
The image bears a striking resemblance to one taken of NSW men's five-eighth Jarome Luai after he shouted in the face of Queensland forward Felise Kaufusi during the 2021 series.
Cherrington took great pleasure in getting one over Lenarduzzi, who was recalled to the Queensland set-up with the purpose of beefing up an undersized Maroons pack.
Shown a comparison of her triumphant stance next to Luai's, Cherrington told AAP: "She made an error and I laughed at her… that's Origin footy.
"You've got to let them know and this is Origin, you've got to express yourself.
"I love expressing myself and being my authentic self.
"It's about having my teammates' back and if there's more eyes on our footy, then I'd love that."
Cherrington was part of a Blues pack who showed their Queensland counterparts no respect on a sodden night at Sydney's Allianz Stadium.
The Blues outmuscled and outfought the Maroons in every department and their victory has set up a golden opportunity for NSW to rub in their rivals' faces once more.
The 2025 series is just the second decided over three games and after Queensland came from behind to win 2-1, Cherrington has revenge on her mind for game three in Newcastle on May 29.
"Last year, they won the first ever three-game series and we want to go another level and sweep for the first time in a women's series," Cherrington said.
"Yes, we won the series, but we've got one job, it's 70 minutes away and we have to step up another level."
Meanwhile, Blues coach John Strange is confident strike centre Jess Sergis will be fit to play game three after being subbed off at halftime with a neck injury.
"She was a bit disorientated," Strange said.
"About 15 minutes after fulltime she started to get back to herself.
"Whether she plays game three, that'll be up to the doctors. We won't be pushing anyone to play if they're not ready."
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