PROP PART OF NRLW HISTORY
Ballinger joins Broncos
RUGBY LEAGUE: Heather Ballinger has etched her place in history, being named as one of five inaugural Brisbane Broncos NRL Women’s representatives.
The former Scots PGC student inked the deal alongside World Cup winning teammates Caitlin Moran, Ali Brigginshaw and Brittany Breayley to join the Queensland side, and she said it was an unbelievable feeling.
“It’s pretty overwhelming. I’ve been in the league for a little while now and I didn’t think I’d get an opportunity like this, especially for the Brisbane Broncos,” Ballinger said.
“I was a Broncos fan growing up. I’ve lived in Queensland all my life. I remember Lockyer coming in and then switching from fullback into the halves, and I hoped to be like that one day.
“Michael Hancock came through as well. He was a Bronco and helped us in the 2013 World Cup which was great to be a part of.
“Playing with Caitlin, Ali and Brittany will bring a lot of growth and skill into the side. I’ve played alongside them in interstate and local aspects, and we know each other play.”
It continues a phenomenal week for the front rower after she was announced as a part of Queensland’s first ever women’s State of Origin team.
“I’ve been around and played those interstate matches before they first announced the women’s State of Origin, and I couldn’t be more honoured,” she said,
“To go through what I did to where I am today is amazing and such an honour.”
Ballinger teams up with long-time friend Steph Hancock in the forwards for the historic fixture at North Sydney Oval on June 22, and she said she looked forward to running out in the maroon as a continued part of the evolution of the women’s game.
“I’ve been playing with her for a while. She is a Queenslander through and through and it is always great playing alongside her,” she said.
“I had to work a long way to get where I am today. Now there are strength and conditioning personnel and coaching staff. I love the coaching staff wanting to teach us and not hold back because we’re girls.
“All the girls before us are the ones that set the platform and we’ve had the privilege to carry along what they started. To see where it is now, you sit back and think these things do happen when you put hard work and determination into it.”