Woodman stays cool ahead of final
It’s a World Cup final but ‘‘it’s just another game’’ for Kiwi Ferns speedster Shontelle Woodman.
The 31-year-old school teacher will line up with her Kiwi Ferns team-mates in the Women’s Rugby League World Cup final against the Jillaroos in Brisbane on Saturday night.
This is her first World Cup final and Woodman is viewing the match with a cool mind. ‘‘I’ve played in these pressure situations on multiple occasions. It’s just another game and I’m ready to take the field.’’
Now, she gets to play in front of a packed Suncorp Stadium before the men’s final between England and Australia.
Woodman is fulfilling her dream after missing out in 2013 due to the birth of her daughter, Arihi-Rose, and then pursuing another goal on the world stage by taking up kabaddi. She won a silver medal for New Zealand at the kabaddi World Cup in 2014.
‘‘I started playing kabaddi and that year went to Sydney for an exhibition match and then India for a World Cup. A few of the rugby girls I played with also played kabaddi, so I went along and really enjoyed it.’’
Woodman’s intent is clear. ‘‘The goal is to play in the final and bring the World Cup back home. My goal is then to empower more young women to play rugby league.’’
Woodman’s twin sister Sharnita Woodman is a dual national league and union representative, having played for the Black Ferns and Kiwi Ferns. Sharnita was voted the world’s best No 9 at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.
Originally from Taranaki, Woodman has played both union and league, but says she prefers league. She plays for Counties Manukau in both codes, alongside her sister and also Black Ferns sensation Portia Woodman, who is no relation. ‘‘As soon as I started playing league I was hooked.’’
Woodman believes in her side and said while the Jillaroos are ranked the top side in the world, anything can happen on game day. ‘‘We’re in a good place at the moment and we are aware of the good track record we’ve had in the past. Australia will be a tough team to beat but our team has what it takes.’’
She said the game is growing for women in New Zealand.
‘‘It’s been fantastic for the women’s game. If we look back five years ago, there wasn’t a lot of the coverage that we are getting these days. I’m proud to be a part of the women taking our game to the next level.
‘‘Of course it’s a challenge and a bit of a juggling act, but as women we always find a way to make it work for us.’’