Tiana Penitani Gray, who has played on the wing in recent series, and Jesse Southwell have been entrusted with the playmaking duties in next Thursday's clash.
Penitani Gray believes the Sky Blues boast "the best players in the competition", but the adaptability fostered by new coach John Strange is what has her team in good stead to avenge series losses in the past two years.
"We know that we left a lot out there last year and on paper we had the better team and just didn't perform," the team's new five-eighth said on Thursday.
"Something that our coaching staff have really drummed into us is versatility.
"Being able to understand different positions, not only for the team but also to complement the position you get picked in."
Penitani Gray and Southwell both stressed that Strange tried multiple combinations in the six-week training camp leading up to this week's team announcement - and was very open with all players that nothing was off the table.
The Sky Blues named specialist half Kirra Dibb as a reserve for the opener in Brisbane, with debutant Jayme Fressard filling Penitani Gray's spot on the wing.
Southwell was full of praise for her new partner, saying the NRLW star "brings things that no other half could bring", despite not having worn No.6 since the Jillaroos' 84-0 win over PNG in October.
"It's very different I think, our halves pairing, and we're just really excited to play with each other," Southwell said.
Penitani Gray insisted the absence of any club connections in NSW's spine would not be an issue in game one.
"The most exciting element was for the first time ever, being able to actually train alongside players that you play against at club level and just having these incredible girls complement your game," Penitani Gray said.
"Through the last six-week period there's been so many different combinations that we could have potentially gone with and all working really well together."
Strange elevated Penitani Gray to vice-captain for this series, declaring her performance leading Cronulla against his Roosters in last year's grand final was crucial in the decision.
"That was really nice to hear, especially from a coach that was in the opposition and is noticing those little things," Penitani Gray said.
20°C