Incumbent Wallaroos skipper Liz Patu says the Queensland Women's XV have to keep marching forward if they expect to match the success of their inaugural Super W campaign.
Queensland are determined to banish their demons after suffering a heartbreaking extra-time loss to NSW in last year's maiden Super W final.
But experienced forward Patu knows it will be tough given the massive turnover - and likely improvement - of every squad in the competition this season.
"The other states have so much talent as well," Patu said.
"We saw it last year with the Super W and stuff and it will be interesting to see what the girls are bringing this year.
"It is (an unknown) and I think I like that, it keeps us guessing.
"All state sides have got new girls, it'll be interesting, I'm excited."
The Queensland women have been slogging out a torturous pre-season in suffocating heat and humidity in Brisbane and will hone their preparations with a match against the Reds academy players ahead of their round one clash against the Rebels women in Melbourne on Sunday.
The Brumbies and NSW sides kick off the second season in Canberra on Saturday.
"It's been really tough but it's good at the same time," Patu said of the pre-season.
"I'm excited to see what the girls can do on the field, especially coming up to the first game in another two weeks.
"It's something that I look forward to, especially having Moana Virtue as our coach this year and Tyrell (Barker, program head) and Setu (Naseri) as well, as the assistant coach."
Virtue was part of the Wallaroos set-up last year, where she worked with Patu, who captained Australia for the first time in their clash against the Black Ferns.
She continued her coaching success by guiding Griffith University to the Aon Uni Sevens title before taking the reins of the Queensland women's XVs.
"It's really good to see what (the coaching group) bring," Patu said.
"I loved having Hayesey (Michael Hayes) as a coach last year but at the same time, we've got to keep moving forward from last year.
"(Virtue) has been amazing since being appointed as the Queensland coach.
"She really likes to get to know the girls - off the field as well, just checking in - and it's really good to see Mo doing that sort of thing as well as being professional."
The Queensland Women's XV take on Melbourne Rebels Women at Box Hill RFC on Saturday, February 24, kicking off at 3pm AEDT, live on Kayo and online via RUGBY.com.au.
