Army values help Julia kick new goal
COURAGE, initiative, respect and teamwork.
They’re the core values Private Julia Robinson abides by as a soldier, and the mantra which has thrust her into the Jillaroos just five months after picking up a football.
The Townsville- based 20year- old scored a try on debut in Australia’s tense 26- 24 win over New Zealand last weekend, and played a pivotal role in Brisbane’s inaugural NRLW premiership win.
The winger, a former representative netballer who is a driver in Townsville’s main logistic unit by day, was spotted by Broncos coach Paul Dyer playing for the Australian Defence Force ( ADF) side at June’s national championships.
“He said he could see a future for me in football. It was good hearing that from him because I’d only just started playing rugby league,” Robinson said.
“It's a massive honour to wear the green and gold jersey. Being in defence I can serve my country, now I can play for my country.
“One of the key values in defence is mateship and teamwork, and it has benefited me playing our sport.”
Robinson believes the NRLW should stick with its four- team format in the short term before expanding in the future, to ensure a high- quality competition.
“It’s good to have the small amount of teams because you get the best quality competition,” she said.
“Definitely there will be more teams come in, but I feel they should stick with the four teams for now, and extending the competition so we could have a home and away schedule before the grand final.
“The support we’ve had at games has been incredible. For the first year of the NRL’s female competition, there’s been an amazing turnout and I can’t wait to see what it’s going to be like in the next few years.
“I’m a Brissy girl and the signings start up again halfway through the year, but hopefully I can stay with the Broncos for a few more years.”
Commanding Officer of the Third Combat Service Support Battalion Lt Col Charmaine Benfield said the ADF would allow Robinson time away from work to pursue her football career.
“We are very proud of Julia becoming a member of the Jillaroos. It’s a fantastic achievement for her,” Lt Col Benfield said.
“There’s a huge similarity between what the army does, and what sporting teams need to do. If you look at our values – courage, initiative, respect and teamwork – all those are needed in a high- performance team like the Jillaroos.
“Julia is recognised by army headquarters as an elite sportswoman, while she’s performing at this level we will get her time away from the unit ( she needs).”
FOR THE FIRST YEAR OF THE NRL’S FEMALE COMPETITION, THERE’S BEEN AN AMAZING TURNOUT AND I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHAT IT’S GOING TO BE LIKE IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS. JULIA ROBINSON