Ballinger eyes inaugural NRLW premiership
CAIRNS rugby league star Heather Ballinger will go toeto-toe with Australian teammate Ruan Sims in tomorrow night’s NRLW blockbuster at Allianz Stadium.
Ballinger and Sims will wear opposite numbers in the clash between the Broncos and Roosters.
A win would help secure Brisbane a spot in the inaugural NRLW grand final and Ballinger is keen to get the job done for her new club.
“It’s going to be a tough game. I know the Roosters are going to be quite fierce after they were beaten by the Warriors last week,” she said.
“I was surprised Ruan didn’t play last week as she’s pretty tough, so her hamstring must have not been right. She’ll be a good inclusion for them.”
Ballinger was a latecomer to rugby league, taking up the sport in her early 20s after moving to Cairns to take up a position with the Australian Federal Police.
She signed up with Ivanhoes for the 2006 CDRL season, but didn’t play a game.
In 2007, she showed her natural ability as a forward, turning heads of rival coaches.
In 2010, she was the best player in Cairns and one of the best in the country. A year later, she was given her Australian jersey.
Now 36, Ballinger knows she won’t have a long NRLW career, but wants to make the most of it and help forge a clear pathway for the next generation of girls.
“I never thought the day would come that there would be a professional rugby league competition for women,” she said. “To be a part of it is even more amazing. To have a genuine pathway for girls who play rugby league is something the game should be proud of.”
Ballinger said although she had no official leadership role, she was able to impart her experience on the Broncos’ younger players.
“On the field it’s all Ali (Brigginshaw) our captain. But off the field I try and set an example with game preparation and training standards,” she said.