Apps set to make history

Author: NSWRL
Timestamp: Thu 22 Jun 2023, 09:39 AM

Harvey Norman NSW Sky Blues co-captain Kezie Apps is set to become the most capped Sky Blues player, when she runs out for the 11th time in her NSW jersey on Thursday night.

Having made her debut for the Sky Blues back in 2014 – when the series was known as the Interstate Challenge – Kezie has become one of the most influential players within the team, helping lead NSW to win five of the last nine series.

As Kezie prepares herself to become a part of history, she says she is honoured to have the opportunity to represent her state.

“It’s a huge honour, and a massive privilege,” she told nswrl.com.au

“It’s definitely something that I will never take for granted and it still feels like the first time every time I’m presented with it (Sky Blues jersey).”

“It means a lot, even to be able to represent and say I’ve done this 11 times, it is really special.”

Coming into the team in 2014 with the Maroons on a winning streak going back to the inaugural interstate game in 1999, Apps reflected on her time wearing Sky Blue and the moment that sticks out the most.

“The first time I got to represent NSW, we got flogged by QLD and the following year when we played up here in Townsville (2015) it was the first time we drew with Queensland in a four-all draw.

“The moment for me would have to be in 2016 when we finally beat the drought and finally beat Queensland on the Gold Coast.

“It was the first time we beat them (in 17 years) so that was definitely a career highlight of mine and a moment that sticks with me still to this day.”

Over the last six years of her Origin career, Kezie has played an instrumental part in the growth of the women’s game, being one of its biggest endorsers, and becoming one of the loudest voices pushing for change.

“I’m just trying to do everything I can on and off the field to make sure the game is in a good position for these young girls coming through and getting these opportunities they are.

“Especially for the girls that have gone before us and how much they have paved the way. To keep pushing and fighting for them, they will be so proud where the women’s game has gone.

“So being that voice and being that player in the game that can drive change and can still push for more things in the women’s game and making it equal with the men’s, it’s important.”