A FORTNIGHT ago Isabelle Kelly and Hannah Southwell were carving up Queensland before a packed house in the second annual Holden Women's State of Origin showdown at North Sydney Oval.
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But, at the weekend, the New South Wales duo gave back to the game at grass roots level.
The talented pair, while meeting young fans and posing for photos, handed out oranges to hundreds of kids at the Denman Recreational Ground as ambassadors of Good Sports NSW while endorsing the Finish with the Right Stuff message.
The initiative, launched by NSW Health, encourages children who participate in junior community sport to eat healthy and drink water after their chosen athletic endeavours.
"Finish with the Right Stuff also urges clubs and associations, such as our hosts Denman Sandy Hollow JRLFC, to provide and promote water as a drink, healthier food options in their canteens and fewer sugar-sweetened drinks and unhealthy foods," Southwell said.
"If they can do that, it allows parents and carers to make smarter health choices.
"It's good to get out to the regional areas, too.
"And, it's exciting for the kids - a lot of them know who we are these days."
The profile of women's league certainly lifted another notch when NSW, led by Maddie Studdon, over-powered Queensland 14-4 in front of more than 10,500 spectators on June 21.
Another million people also tuned in to watch the match on television.
"It was an awesome experience," Kelly said.
"Especially before a bigger crowd; it was cool.
"North Sydney Oval totally delivers an unreal arena for the occasion.
"I'm aware a lot of people want to take it to a larger stadium, however I think we need to keep it where it is.
"Let the fixture grow over the next few years."
Kelly and Southwell, who were both named in the 2019 Harvey Norman Jillaroos Merit Team, will return to their local club sides before linking up with the Sydney Roosters for the upcoming NRL Women's Premiership.
"Our pre-season begins next month, with the competition kicking off in September," the former said.
"I think everyone was surprised by the success of the concept last year.
"But, it's a bit like State of Origin, we need to let it grow naturally.
"We can't make it too big, too soon."
Kelly is also predicting another NSW victory, this time for the men, in Wednesday night's decider.
"We've definitely got the side to win," she said.
