Hancock’s adaptability helps Brisbane surge
RUGBY LEAGUE: Jo Barrett knows Steph Hancock better than most in the rugby league fraternity.
The Warwick product and Channel Nine commentator rose through the ranks with Killarney’s Hancock through to the elite level for the Jillaroos.
Now, as Hancock prepares for her chance at back-to-back NRLW premierships with the Broncos, Barrett said the forward’s durability and adaptation to a changing role had helped her maintain her level of play at a high level.
“As her career developed, she has really relished coming off the bench,” Barrett said.
“I’m a bit biased having grown up with her, but she’s been making great metres, and her influence around the girls gives them a lot of confidence.
“She’s still playing like she’s on the Southern Downs and just loving the game.
“The thing is it’s never been one defender who brings her down. She always attracts two, three and four defenders. Defensively she has really been laying the platform as well.”
There were some question marks around the Broncos’ credentials heading into the season, however they were able to put any doubts to rest in the opening two rounds.
“They had 13 players who stayed who won a premiership last year,” she said.
“Culturally it is so positive. I know a lot of them through my role as Qld manager, and they really look out for each other as pressure builds.
“Everyone has been doing their job and they’ve been successful as a result.”
A local who isn’t expected to be taking part in Sunday’s decider is Heather Ballinger, with the former Scots PGC student not chosen throughout the season by coach Kelvin Wright.
“She’s so experienced and has achieved so much in the game, and from what I understand, despite not playing, she still brings so much into the squad,” she said.
“A positive from it is the depth of the club. When a player like Heather can’t get a spot on the team, it shows the game is heading in the right direction in terms of talent.
“Whether it is just at the Broncos or across the board, they’re going well without her, but I’d love to see her out there as a mate.”
SHE’S (STEPH HANCOCK) STILL PLAYING LIKE SHE’S ON THE SOUTHERN DOWNS AND JUST LOVING THE GAME.
JO BARRETT