Kaitlyn Phillips' stocks just keep rising after the Hawks and now Mounties star was named in Country Rugby League's side for this year's Harvey Norman Women's National Championship on Tuesday afternoon, alongside fellow Orange product and Jillaroos ace Vanessa Foliaki.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Phillips, 21, only started playing rugby league this time last year but now she looks to be on the fast-track to a Women's NRL gig, her Country selection undoubtedly the next step on that path.
Her side includes 11 players from this year's Country Championship and also features some of the nation's absolute best in Jillarioos Isabelle Kelly, Kezie Apps, Bec Young, Ruan Sims, Hannah Southwell and Keeley Davis, along with Foliaki of course.
Having 11 players selected from the Women's Country Championship is testament to the quality of players coming from regional NSW.
- CRL CEO Terry Quinn
The four-day National Championship at Burleigh, from May 30-June 2, will feature six sides including the Australian Defence Force and Combined Affiliate States and is a chance for players to be recognised for and potentially selected in State of Origin and NRLW sides.
The proof's in the pudding there too, eight of last year's championship-winning Country side went on to play Origin and 14 were picked up by NRLW clubs.
For burgeoning stars like Phillips, and even established ones like Foliaki, CRL chief executive officer Terry Quinn said the National Championship provides an excellent opportunity for exposure and added he's hopeful the side will defend their title this year.
"I want to wish our team the best of luck in the National Championships defending their title and wish them all the best in achieving NRLW, NSW and the Jillaroos honours in the future," Quinn said.
"There have been some great announcements made for the women's game in recent times and we fully support the continual development of pathways for female players.
"[We were] extremely proud to be a part of the inaugural Women's National Championship and we're eager to see an exciting mix of regional, Origin and Jillaroos representatives from NSW Country compete together on a national stage (again).
"The women's game continues to grow in all of areas of Country Rugby League and having 11 players selected from the Women's Country Championship is testament to the quality of players coming from regional NSW."
- COUNTRY RUGBY LEAGUE: Kezie Apps, Keeley Davis, Kirra Dibb, Vanessa Foliaki, Emma Hickey, Kylie Hilder, Rikeya Horne, Melanie Howard, Ellie Johnston, Takilele Katoa, Isabelle Kelly, Bobbi Law, Shellie Long, Kaitlyn Phillips, Ruan Sims, Simone Smith, Hannah Southwell, Tess Staines, Gabrielle Suckling, Shakiah Tungai, Holli Wheeler, Bec Young
WANT MORE ORANGE AND REGIONAL SPORT?
- Receive our free newsletters delivered to your inbox, as well as breaking news alerts. Sign up below ...