Jillaroos rookie up for leadership role
DESPITE having just one Test cap to her name, Zahara Temara will assume some form of leadership role when Australia take on Papua New Guinea for the first time in women’s international rugby league tomorrow.
The new-look Jillaroos side is missing a number of stars from south of the border who have been allowed to instead play in the NSWRL women’s premiership finals series this weekend.
High-profile forward Ruan Sims has also been ruled out with the flu. All up, seven debutants have been named for the unofficial Test in Port Moresby.
With a void of experience outside of the likes of Steph Hancock, five-eighth Temara believes her and likely halves partner Ali Brigginshaw will need to lead the way.
“They look to us halves too to keep the talk up and help everyone because there are a lot of leaders that aren’t here from NSW,” Temara told the Bulletin.
Even with that expectation, the young gun said her sole previous international experience – the Anzac fixture this year against her birth nation New Zealand – has not eased her nerves.
“I still can’t believe Temara said.
“I’m still really nervous. I sort of more know what to do and all the girls, we have played with each other now so it will be better … (but) it doesn’t get the nerves away.”
Temara does have big game success behind her, nonetheless. it,”
Born in Rotorua on New Zealand’s North Island before moving to the Gold Coast nine years ago, she has featured in each of Burleigh’s South East Queensland Women’s Division One grand final triumphs in the past three seasons.
The Bears managed to pip Ipswich 10-6 for the trophy last Saturday.
Considering the Jillaroos are not full strength, tomorrow’s opportunity in front of an excited PNG crowd will be crucial to the World Cup chances of any player who isn’t an automatic team selection.
“This is some of the girls’ shot to prove themselves,” she said.
Temara, who also plays rugby union, is among those who can shore up her place for the Jillaroos’ World Cup title defence later this year if she delivers against the Orchids. She conceded the pressure is on as they work towards their one goal: “Winning the World Cup”.
“Our coaching staff and all the management staff, they keep us relaxed,” she said.