Women buzzing as historic debut looms
Excitement is building within the Warriors women’s squad as they prepare to make history tomorrow night.
The Warriors will take the field for the first time in a trial match against Auckland prior to the men’s clash against the Knights at Mt Smart Stadium.
With the start of the inaugural NRL Women’s Premiership a month away, things are quickly coming into focus for the Luisa Avaiki-coached side.
Avaiki finalised her 22-strong squad last week, which utility Georgia Hale described as a fiercely competitive process.
But she knows that will only increase as the players look to push their claims for selection ahead of round one.
‘‘The whole time it’s been competitive, which is how we want it,’’ Hale said.
‘‘It was a competition to get a contract and now it’s a competition to be named in that 17. Luisa’s an awesome coach, I’m sure she’ll make a great decision whatever that 17 is.’’
A member of the Kiwi Ferns since 2015, Hale says the introduction of a women’s NRL competition is a dream come true.
At just 23, the talented Richmond Roses playmaker, who has also represented New Zealand in touch and tag, could be a fixture in the team for years to come.
But she is equally happy that the next generation has another elite team to aspire to.
‘‘Richmond is where it all started for me and it’s an exciting time for the young girls of the game,’’ said Hale, who works as a community co-ordinator at the Warriors.
‘‘Those 13, 15 and 17-year-olds, to see that these kind of things happen and know that there is a pathway for rugby league.’’
Tomorrow is a big occasion for the Auckland club, with Stephen Kearney’s side looking to move another step closer to securing a playoff berth for the first time since 2011.
It’s just a taste of what’s to come for Hale and co, with the four-team women’s premiership to take place during the NRL finals series.
After spending several weeks in training, Hale said Avaiki had built up a strong focus within the squad and is looking forward to seeing how they all come together on the field.
‘‘It’s been neat having the announcement of the team and players just recently. But I don’t think we’ve let that affect us. We’ve just been going about business,’’ Hale said. ‘‘It’s an opportunity to see where we’re at and what we need to work on for those next couple of weeks before we get into the real competition.’’