Val and Honey blitz
WHILE Valentine Holmes’ tryscoring feats have grabbed the attention of rugby league fans the world over, he is not alone in giving the record books a shove.
Kiwi Ferns winger Honey Hireme has stamped her own authority as a try- scoring freak in the women’s World Cup, scoring 11 tries across three games to match it with Holmes’ on- field prowess in the men’s tournament.
The speedster has been here and done this all before, after she scored 10 tries in the 2013 World Cup.
But with no official records kept from previous women’s World Cups, the 36- year- old has made an irresistible case as to why she should go down in history as the most prolific female tryscorer.
Just like Holmes, Hireme scored six tries in one match during this year’s World Cup, running riot against the Cook Islands in their second round pool match.
And while the humble New Zealand star doesn’t go out on the field to chase these accolades, she will do everything she can to find points for her team as they strive to win back the trophy.
“I’m just the one that finishes all the hard work our middles do,” she said.
“I don’t really keep track of those records. If it inspires young people to come and play the game, I’m all for it. ( To win) will be huge for us. We were really gutted in 2013 when we lost that Cup ( to Australia).
“There’s huge history that we want to live up to within the team. The Kiwi Ferns in the World Cup, it’s always been our main, pinnacle event.
“I would love to hold that trophy one more time.”
Hireme has played in the last four World Cups, with New Zealand dominating the competition before their 2013 loss to the Jillaroos.
Their chance to win back that trophy will come on Saturday afternoon, with the women’s game to be played before the men’s final in a double header showdown at Suncorp Stadium.
Holmes will watch some of that match from the sideline, no doubt keeping a close eye on Hireme.
He said it was great to see Hireme achieving similar things to him and knows both players will do everything they can to see their respective sides succeed this weekend.
“She’s probably over the moon as well,” he said. “I’m sure she’d be very happy with it.
“The winger’s main job is to try to finish every opportunity we get. That’s what we go in thinking.
“To get six tries is really special and I will never forget that. I don’t know if I can ever beat it again but to do that is pretty cool.”