By Wayne Heming

Recalled utility Lauren Brown has been putting out fires recently in her new job as a Queensland firefighter.

But on Thursday night, the 29-year-old policeman’s daughter will be trying to light a few fires of her own for the Maroon’s attack in the opening game of the historic best-of-three State of Origin clash at Suncorp Stadium.

“I’m so excited to be back in the squad,” Brown told FOGS.com.au

“It was one of my main goals (getting back into the squad) after withdrawing last year because of my fire-fighting commitments.

“I knew it was going to be bloody tough to crack the squad because of the talent of the girls”.

Brown is now a fully qualified Firefighter with the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services based on the Gold Coast.

The analogy between what she confronts as a fiery on the job and what she might confront at Suncorp Stadium is not lost on Brown.

“I’ve attended a couple of small fires which weren’t too major,” she said.

“You never really know what you are going to get when you rock up for work so you’ve always got to be ready for the worst case.

“It’s similar to when you rock up for a State of Origin, you don’t quite know what turn the game will take, you just have to be ready for anything.”

Brown played rugby for Australia and scored a bag full of goals as a midfielder for Brisbane Roar and the Newcastle Jets in the National Women’s League before making a stunning arrival to rugby league in 2020.

During an incredible seven-week stretch, Brown won a premiership with Burleigh Bears and an NRLW Premiership with the Brisbane Broncos within the space of two weeks.

Less than a month later, she completed a rare hat-trick, winning an Origin on debut for Queensland  — a three-peat which would have made her childhood hero, Darren Lockyer, proud.

To make that feat even more amazing, Brown won the premiership with Burleigh Bears (Player of the Match), playing five-eighth, the title with Brisbane playing at hooker and played centre in her debut for Queensland, kicking four goals from four attempts in the 24-18 win.

“I look back at those few months and think, holly hell, that was wild,” she recalled.

“It was a crazy introduction to rugby league and had me thinking, why didn’t I come over to this brilliant game a lot earlier.”

Brown loved rugby league as a kid but living on the Gold Coast she was a surf lifesaver and later gravitated towards rugby union and soccer.

“I lived and breathed rugby league growing up but I never actually played it,” she said.

“Fortunately when I did take it up, I was lucky enough to have some coaches who let me play a few different positions and get to know and learn the game.”

Until just recently, Brown had never met her favourite player which was almost as daunting as playing her first Origin.

“I finally met Darren last season when he interviewed me after a WNRL game,” she said.

Lockyer, who played 36 Origins for Queensland, said Brown was a talented player who had the advantage of being able to swap between positions.

“I’ve interviewed Lauren a few times now,” said the Queensland great.

“She is a talent and a capable goal kicker. She has done extremely well to get back in the Queensland side which has a lot of quality players.”

Brown, who has won two of her three appearances for Queensland, said Origin was always special as a kid growing up.

“There is so much pride and passion playing for your state and your family but more so representing those players who wore the maroon jumper before, you,” she said.

“Every time you run out on the field wearing a maroon jumper you are representing those girls who made all this possible.”

 Brown grew up on the Gold Coast supporting Queensland.

When Origin rolled around she admits she had “no time” for anyone who supported the Blues.

“Even at school, anyone who supported NSW, was the enemy,” she said.

“Our teacher would make the NSW kids sit outside the class on Origin day, it was that bad.

“There was always this fierce rivalry and I still have it to this day.”

Brown’s best friend, Jasmine Clydsdale, will be in the opposition side on Thursday night.

“I was bridesmaid at Jasmine’s wedding,” she said.

“But as soon as we cross the white line, none of that matters. I see a blue jersey and I immediately see red.”

Whenever Queensland coach Tahnee Norris decides to pitch Brown into the battle on Thursday night she’ll be ready to play her part and give everything for her state and her teammates.

“When I get on I’ll be running like a mad woman and giving it everything I’ve got,” she said with resolve.

She admitted she was already thinking about Thursday night’s big game and the feeling she’ll carry onto Lang Park wearing a maroon jumper again.

“I’ve got this picture in my mind and it already gives me goosebumps just talking about it,” she said..

“This is Origin, it’s at Suncorp, it doesn’t get any better than that.

“Being part of a team creating history as the first women’s team to play an Origin game at Suncorp Stadium is an incredibly special honour.

 “I remember that winning feeling (2020-21) singing the team song at the top of my voice with the girls.

“I want to do that again.”