Crunch time for women’s side
ALI Brigginshaw once feared her career was over because of a horror leg break, but it has made her appearance at the Rugby League World Cup all the sweeter.
There were few players more grateful to be on the field than the 27-year-old Queenslander when Australia opened its account with a 58-4 demolition of the Cook Islands in Sydney on Thursday.
After breaking her leg in three places in 2015, Brigginshaw had to endure two bouts of surgery and 12 months on the sidelines during which she struggled with everyday tasks.
Coming out the other side, Brigginshaw says she savours every time she takes the field.
“I actually did think my career was over because I had the plates and screws in, I couldn’t really walk, I couldn’t really go to the fridge or anything like that,” she said. “But I had some strong family behind me who really got me through. I’m running out there and loving the game more than I ever have.”
Brigginshaw was a standout in the big Cook Islands win.
The playmaker raced 60m to score a solo try and partnered well with halfback Caitlyn Moran but isn’t sure if she’ll make the team for the knockout stages. Coach Brad Donald has promised to play his best 17 for tomorrow’s clash with England in Sydney, meaning Maddison Studdon and Zahara Temara may replace Brigginshaw and Moran.
Brigginshaw expects England to be one of Australia’s biggest threats and is steeling herself for a bruising battle.
“In the last World Cup we played England and it was the toughest game I’ve played,” she said. “They’re physical but they’re very smart. We’ll be in for a test.” AAP