St George Illawarra Dragons Women’s NRL Nines second-rower Kezie Apps is hopeful that there will be further opportunities to represent her local Club.
The Australia Jillaroo representative was amongst the scorers in the inaugural women’s team who took part in the narrow 16-12 by the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at Southern Cross Group Stadium, Cronulla recently.
The local Helensburgh Tigerlillies player, recently named the Women’s NSW State Player of the Year, is optimistic that the encounter will be the first of many competitive fixtures in the women’s game and is thankful for being involved.
The Dragons’ Women’s NRL Nines squad comprised of many of the best female players from across the Women in Defence Illawarra League and provides a new dimension to the extensive pathways already available to aspiring players.
“This game rates up there for me as it is pretty massive for women’s rugby league because our overall aim is to have an NRL Women’s NRL competition happening,” said Apps.
“The game was a really big night for me as well as all the other girls and really good to be a part of.
“It was the first opportunity I’ve had to come up against some of the girls from the Jillaroos team so it was very interesting.
“I have been lucky to be involved in representing my state in the recent State of Origin game as well so I am still on a high from that too.
“It’s been a massive 18 months for me and playing this game as well ranks highly in it too.
“We overcame some torrential rain in the build-up to playing this match so it shows a big commitment from the girls in their preparation.
“It means to the world to us girls to have the team support us.”