When you look at it, for Western’s best women’s rugby league players a NSW Blues jersey is, really, just three good games away.
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A NSW Country jumper two.
But, despite the representative pathway for women’s rugby league seemingly one of those airport travelators jacked up on a keg of red bull, Rams dummy half Ella-J Harris is urging her Western teammates to simply enjoy themselves, rather than look at the possibility of higher honours, when they take to the field at this weekend’s NSW Country Southern Selection trials at Yass.
“It has been mentioned, making those rep teams, but this is the first time we’ve had the chance to go to something like this so the girls are looking forward to the experience, more than anything,” the Rams skipper said.
“If anything comes of it for any of our girls then that’s a bonus.”
It’s that same team-first mentality that helped the Rams girls turn heads at the northern selection trials in February.
The Jess Skinner coached outfit made the trip to Muswellbrook to trial, more than anything, and ended up knocking off Newcastle-Central Coast (20-4) and leading Group 21 before a late try ended that match in an 8-all draw.
Western will meet teams from Canberra, the Illawarra and Riverina on Sunday and Harris is expecting three tough games against somewhat seasoned opposition, particularly form the Illawarra.
“I think it will be tough as far as the physicality side of it goes. These girls at Yass have had comps now for years,” Harris said.
“We’re showing up giving it our best shot.”
If anything comes of it for any of our girls then that’s a bonus.
- Western captain Ella-J Harris
Harris is one 13 Group 10 girls named in the Rams squad, with Britt Naden, Maggie Townsend, Rhi Sutherland and Demi Wilson the Group 11 contingent.
Harris said her side’s pack was its biggest strength and after her side’s “best training session yet” last Tuesday at Wellington the Western captain was hoping for a big performance from her side’s forwards.
“I think we’ve got a good pack, Haylee (Lepaio) and Rhi and Amy Copping, they’re really strong. Lay the foundation for us,” Harris enthused.
“W’re going down there with an open mind.”
Western’s first game is against the Illawarra at 11.40am with games against Riverina (12.40pm) and Canberra (2.20pm) to follow.
- WESTERN RAMS: 1 Meredith Jones, 2 Claire Woolmington, 3 Grace Mooney, 4 Lailee Phillips, 5 Elise Woods, 6 Britt Naden, 7 Bec Ford, 8 Amy Copping, 9 Ella-J Harris, 10 Haylee Lepaio, 11 Sally Dwyer, 12 Kaitlyn Phillips, 13 Sarah Reyter; Bench: 14 Jacky Lyden, 15 Maggie Townsend, 16 Demi Wilson, 17 Rhianna Sutherland, 18 Nicole Schneider, 19 Channy Burgess.
DRAW:
Game 1 – 11.00am – Canberra v Riverina
Game 2 – 11.40am – Illawarra v Western
Game 3 – 12.40pm – Western v Riverina
Game 4 – 1.20pm – Canberra v Illawarra
Game 5 – 2.20pm – Canberra v Western
Game 6 – 2.50pm – Riverina v Illawarra